About

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a crude metric that fails to distinguish between lean muscle mass and adipose tissue. Modern metabolic screening prioritizes fat distribution over total mass. Visceral adiposity-fat stored around internal organs-releases inflammatory cytokines and correlates strongly with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular mortality.

This tool calculates two critical metrics: Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR). Crucially, this calculator distinguishes between standard WHO definitions and ethnicity-specific thresholds (such as those for South Asian and Chinese populations), where metabolic risk escalates at lower BMI and circumference levels due to genetic predispositions.

Formulas

The logic compares circumference measurements to standard medical thresholds. The Waist-to-Height Ratio is considered the most robust single metric for life expectancy:

WHtR = WaistHeight

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio determines body shape (Apple vs. Pear):

WHR = WaistHip

Reference Data

Classification	Men (WHR)	Women (WHR)	WHtR (Both)	Health Implication
Low Risk	< 0.90	< 0.85	< 0.50	Healthy metabolic profile.
Moderate Risk	0.90 − 0.99	0.85 − 0.89	0.50 − 0.59	Increased risk of hypertension.
High Risk	≥ 1.00	≥ 0.90	≥ 0.60	High probability of metabolic syndrome.
Asian Cutoff (High)	> 0.90	> 0.80	> 0.50	Lower threshold for cardiovascular events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accuracy depends on the landmark. For WHO standards, measure at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the iliac crest (hip bone). This is usually just above the belly button. Do not suck in your stomach; breathe out naturally.

Research indicates that Asian populations tend to accumulate higher levels of visceral fat at lower absolute weights compared to Caucasian or African populations. Consequently, the risk of diabetes and heart disease begins at lower circumference metrics.

For individual health assessment, generally yes. A WHtR greater than 0.5 indicates you are carrying more fat around your middle than is healthy for your height, regardless of how muscular you are. BMI often misclassifies bodybuilders as obese and "skinny-fat" individuals (sarcopenic obesity) as healthy.