Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Calculator
Assess abdominal obesity risk using the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).
허리둘레가 키의 47.1% — 키의 절반보다 5.0cm 작아 양호합니다.
상세 정보
WHtR 판정 기준 (NICE 2022 가이드라인)
⚠️ 참고 안내
- 이 계산기는 참고용 지표이며 의학적 진단을 대체하지 않습니다.
- 근육량이 많거나 체형이 특이한 경우 실제 건강 위험도와 차이가 있을 수 있습니다.
- 복부비만 기준(대한비만학회, 남 90cm/여 85cm)은 WHtR과 별개의 지표이니 함께 참고하세요.
- 건강 상태가 걱정된다면 의료진과 상담하세요.
Overview
The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Calculator divides your waist circumference by your height to assess abdominal obesity risk from just two measurements. Unlike BMI, WHtR reflects where body fat is distributed, making it more sensitive to abdominal fat accumulation. It also compares your waist against the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity's abdominal obesity thresholds (90cm for men, 85cm for women) and shows your target waist circumference based on the simple "waist should be less than half your height" rule.
Formula
WHtR = waist circumference (cm) ÷ height (cm)
Classification (NICE 2022 guideline)
Below 0.40: possible underweight / 0.40–0.49: healthy range / 0.50–0.59: increased health risk / 0.60 and above: high risk
Target waist = height × 0.5 ("waist less than half your height" rule)
Abdominal obesity threshold (Korean Society for the Study of Obesity): ≥90cm (men), ≥85cm (women)
Example: height 170cm, waist 80cm → WHtR = 80 ÷ 170 = 0.47 (healthy range), 5.0cm to spare versus the 85.0cm targetHow to Use
- 1Select your sex (used for the abdominal obesity threshold comparison).
- 2Enter your height in cm.
- 3Enter your waist circumference in cm (measured horizontally at navel level).
- 4Check your WHtR value, classification, and the difference versus your target waist (half your height).
Examples
Male, height 170cm, waist 80cm
Checking the WHtR and target-waist margin for a man with an average build.
Female, height 165cm, waist 90cm
Checking the risk classification for a woman whose waist exceeds half her height.
Male, height 180cm, waist 74cm
Checking the WHtR for a man with a waist well below the target.
Background
WHtR gained wider recognition after the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) formally adopted it as a complementary measure to BMI in its 2022 adult obesity guideline. Because BMI is derived only from weight and height, it cannot distinguish where fat is stored; WHtR incorporates waist circumference directly, so it identifies people with high visceral fat even when their BMI looks normal. The "waist should be less than half your height" rule is a simple, widely cited threshold that applies across different populations, and this calculator's target-waist figure is derived directly from that rule. Note that the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity separately publishes absolute waist-circumference thresholds (90cm for men, 85cm for women) for diagnosing abdominal obesity, so it's useful to check both the ratio and the absolute measurement.
Tips
- ✔Measure your waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone (roughly navel height), breathing out normally.
- ✔Even if your WHtR falls in the healthy range, you may still meet the absolute abdominal obesity threshold (90cm men / 85cm women), so check both.
- ✔People with very high muscle mass may find WHtR less informative alone; consider a body composition test as well.
- ✔If your WHtR is 0.5 or higher, consider improving diet and exercise habits to reduce abdominal fat, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
FAQ
Q. How is WHtR different from BMI and WHR (waist-to-hip ratio)?
BMI uses weight and height to gauge overall body size, while WHR compares waist to hip circumference to describe body shape (apple vs. pear). WHtR divides waist by height to directly capture abdominal obesity risk, and recent NICE guidelines recommend it as a complement to BMI.
Q. Is a WHtR of 0.5 or above always dangerous?
A WHtR of 0.5 or above falls into the 'increased health risk' category, signaling a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. However, muscle mass, age, and other health indicators should also be considered — this calculator's result alone isn't a diagnosis.
Q. How is the target waist circumference calculated?
It follows the rule that waist circumference should be less than half your height, so it's calculated as height (cm) × 0.5. For example, at 170cm, the target waist is 85.0cm or less.
Q. What if the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity threshold and my WHtR disagree?
The two measures are complementary. Even with a healthy WHtR, you may still exceed the absolute waist threshold (90cm men / 85cm women) and be classified as having abdominal obesity, so check both results here and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
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