---
title: Waist-Height Ratio
slug: waist-height-ratio
docTags: 
createdAt: 2021-04-21T22:06:39.000Z
---



| **Data Type**           | Health Indicator                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Scans Required**      | BodyScan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Study**               | Ashwell, M., Gunn, P., & Gibson, S. (2012). [Waist‐to‐height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta‐analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22106927/). Obesity reviews, 13(3), 275-286. |
| **Validation**          | Individual measurements externally validated.Validated against ISAK                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Predictors**          | Waist circumference, height (self-reported)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Risk** **Category**   | Low, High                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Cohorts**             | - United States, Europids, Middle East, African, South and Central Americans
- South Asian, Chinese, Japanese                                                                                                                                                                            |
| **Formula/Calculation** | Waist circumference/height                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| **Weakness**            | Height is self-reported so can be misreported by an individual accidentally or on purpose. Height prediction would be beneficial.                                                                                                                                                        |

## About Waist-Height Ratio


Waist to height ratio is the ratio of waist circumference to standing height. Waist to height ratio is a measure of fat distribution.

A larger waist to height ratio can be associated with higher levels of abdominal fat in the form of visceral adipose tissue which is linked to increased risks of chronic disease and mortality. 

It is recommended to keep your waist circumference to less than half your height for improved health.

## Risk Categories

| Risk | Male, Female |
| ---- | ------------ |
| LOW  | \< 0.5       |
| HIGH | ≥ 0.5        |