Medically Reviewed By
MBBS (Col) · MD (Col) · SLMC No. 27329
This tool uses the waist-to-height ratio method. Results are for educational guidance only and do not replace clinical assessment.
Check whether your waist size is appropriate for your height
This tool compares your waist circumference with your height. A larger waist size may indicate increased abdominal fat, which can be associated with diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. A waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is generally considered preferable for most adults.
Remove your shoes before measuring. Stand straight against a wall, with your heels flat on the floor. Look straight ahead. Measure from the floor to the top of your head. Use the most recent reliable measurement if available.
Stand in a relaxed, upright position. Breathe out normally. Place the measuring tape horizontally around your abdomen at the level of the belly button. The tape should be snug but not pulled tightly. Record the measurement in centimetres or inches.
| Ratio | Category | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Below 0.50 | Lower central obesity risk | Your waist measurement is less than half your height. This is generally considered a favourable result. |
| 0.50 – 0.59 | Increased central obesity risk | Your waist measurement is greater than half your height. This may be associated with increased risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. |
| 0.60 or above | High central obesity risk | Your waist size is substantially greater than half your height. Medical review and lifestyle measures such as weight reduction, healthy eating and regular physical activity may be useful. |
Fat stored around the abdomen — called visceral fat — is closely linked to metabolic disease. Unlike subcutaneous fat under the skin, visceral fat surrounds internal organs and is more metabolically active. It is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
The waist-to-height ratio is a useful screening measure because it accounts for body frame size by comparing waist circumference to height, rather than using a fixed waist measurement cutoff that may not suit all body types.
Common questions about waist-to-height ratio and central obesity, answered by Sineth Hospitals.