Why the Simple Waist-To-Height Ratio Is a Powerful Health Measurement

April 17 2017 by in Dr. Ted Naiman, Insulin

The waist-to-height ratio is a great predictor of a person’s level of insulin resistance. The test can predict your risk for developing diseases linked to excessive insulin, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Above is a great infographic by Dr. Ted Naiman explaining the concept.

The test is also basically free and anyone can do it at home. Not sure how to measure? Check out the picture below:

How to measure

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So now you’ve calculated the results – and want to know what the results mean. Dr. Naiman has got you covered. Ideally, aim for a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.5:

Recommendations and examples

waist-to-height

Personally I’m at a ratio of 0.44 today – though some may consider it unfair as I’m 6’7″…

Do you want to share your result? Feel free to do so in the comments below.

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18 comments

1
Kate
April 17 2017
Waist measurement in cm, divided by Height in cm, equals Ratio.
2
J. Lance De Foa, MD
April 17 2017
I first read about this on Dr. Jason Fung's blog and started using it with my patients and myself in October 2016. When I saw I had 7 cm excess circumference I stopped buying donuts "for the clinic". From the patient's height I calculate the target waist. For women with a waist narrowing I measure the narrowest spot. For those without, and for most men I measure the widest, around the "love handles" and often crossing the umbilicus. That way it is easier to measure improvement. Most have waists above 1/2 their height. Most also have elevated fasting insulin & elevated glucose or A1c. I give out a sheet with the DietDoctor.com visual guides. Every day in clinic SOMEONE is narrowing and losing weight.
3
John
April 17 2017
I belive it should consider the measurement not only of the belly as it does but also the hip, some people just have thicker bones and structures. I know people that are short without any belly at all but with strong structure.
This is a good general rule, but with lots of room for improving.
4
Popi
April 18 2017
There's different body shapes and bone structures! A simple ratio tells only a small part of the story
5
Rebecca
April 19 2017
I am 5ft 3 and waist measures 31 inches. I have been doing the low carb diet for 3-4 months..(very diligently) and my waist has not changed I did drop 5 pounds though. I am in ketosis (I measure every morning). And now when I do the math.. seems I am at risk. Any comments, suggestions?
Thanks.

Rebecca
6
Lora
April 19 2017
Quick calculator for waist to height
https://www.health-calc.com/body-composition/waist-to-height-ratio
7
Markus
April 19 2017
Cant be right this. Accordning to this im apparently obese!?
Im a bit over weight but not that fat! Hahaha...not buyin it...
8
Lori Hope
April 19 2017
When I was first diagnosed a rather overweight Nurse told me that I had 'Truncal Obesity'
9
Peggy Holloway
June 9 2017
.44 so I'm OK. 64 years old and 17+ years on LCHF seems to be working.
10
Geoff
June 9 2017
I don't know exactly what 'Truncal Obesity' is but I do see a lot of people wearing wide untucked tops to cover their trunks. If this test is true than our USA Obesity may be higher than published standards.
11
Claire
June 9 2017
.42 so that's equivalent to a female swimmer. (I'm female and 42 years old) Is that ok? Where's the info that tells you what's ok and what's not?
12
Diana
June 9 2017
Big difference if you're calculating in centimeters than inches. :) In USA the measurement should be under .80 for a woman and under .90 for a man. WHR = .8125 . Would have helped to have had the formula in your article.

Reply: #13
13
Reply to comment #12 by Diana
Kathleen
June 9 2017
Actually, the ratio is the same whether you measure in cm or inches.
14
Ann
June 9 2017
0.39 - not bad for a 53 year old mum!
15
Diana
June 10 2017
Right but the numbers are different! Centimeters are under .05 and inches is under .08
16
NancyJ
June 10 2017
Diana, this is a ratio. If you measure waist in inches then measure height in inches. If you measure waist in cm then measure height in cm. The ratio will be the same.
17
Cathy
June 11 2017
Diana you mention 0.8 and 0.9 - that is Waist to Hip ratio recommendations. This article refers to Waist to Height ratio. 5'5" (65") tall person with a waist of 32.5" has a ratio of 0.5. In cm that would be 165cm tall with 82.5cm waist - also 0.5 ratio.
18
Anneleen
July 24
I have very wide hips, I can feel the bone if I press lightly, I think I am not so far away from my ideal weight as a 35 year old woman with my bone structure. But this test shows I am at risk. A person with small hips and a big belly could have a better result because of narrow hips, so for me, this test is incomplete.