How to use this calculator
- Measure your waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, after breathing out.
- Enter the other values requested.
- See your ratio and risk band.
How it works
Waist measures capture central fat, the type most linked to diabetes and heart disease. WHO sets waist-to-hip risk at 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Waist-to-height should stay below 0.5, a rule that works across ethnic groups.
Reading your result
| Waist-to-height under 0.5 | Healthy |
|---|---|
| 0.5 to 0.59 | Increased risk |
| 0.6 or more | High risk |
Physiotherapy treatment
Activity and fitness guidance is the core of physiotherapy for central adiposity risk. After an assessment, your physiotherapist sets a plan built around walking, aerobic exercise and strengthening, progressed as your results improve. Hands-on treatment, pain relief and education are added where they help.
Exercises this calculator may recommend
Your result decides which of these appear, and at what dose.
Medical note
Calculators give estimates for general guidance and do not diagnose any condition. Stop and seek medical help for chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or rapidly worsening pain. Always follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions over any calculator.