The waist-to-height ratio is the ratio of waist circumference to standing height. The 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.

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Risk Categories

More information can be found here: Waist‐to‐height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta‐analysis.

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Details

‍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. 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.