Keep your waist less than half your height
A simple, sex-neutral screen for metabolic risk that often outperforms BMI.
Measurements
Waist-to-Height Ratio
Your waist is less than half your height — associated with the lowest metabolic risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Why use waist-to-height ratio?+
Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) is a better screen for metabolic disease risk than BMI because it captures where fat is stored — central (visceral) fat is the dangerous kind. The rule is simple: keep your waist under half your height.
Is WtHR the same for men and women?+
Yes — unlike waist-to-hip ratio, WtHR uses the same threshold for both sexes, and for all ethnicities. That simplicity is one of its biggest strengths.
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?+
Below 0.50 is healthy. 0.50–0.59 is overweight. 0.60 and above indicates high metabolic risk. Below 0.40 may suggest underweight.
Where do I measure my waist?+
At the navel, standing relaxed (not sucked in). Use a flexible, non-stretch tape measure kept level around the body. Take the reading at the end of a natural exhale.