Simple body proportion to follow

Waist-to-height Ratio

Keep your waist circumference below half your height. This ratio turns one tape measurement into a clear target you can repeat and track.

WAIST HEIGHT WAIST ÷ HEIGHT

Measure

Height and waist

Front-facing torso showing the correct waist measurement between the lowest rib and top of the hip, with incorrect high and low positions

Measure at the correct height

Correct: midway between the lowest rib and top of the hip

Too high: directly under the rib cage

Too low: across the hip bones

  1. 1Stand relaxed and breathe normally.
  2. 2Place the tape midway between the lowest rib and top of the hip.
  3. 3Keep it level and snug without compressing the skin.

Your ratio

—

Target: < 0.5

0.40.50.6+

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measurements to your history:

  • Height
  • Waist circumference
  • Waist-to-height ratio
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Understand the measure

Why compare waist with height

Waist size reflects central body mass, while height gives it useful scale.

The result is simple enough to repeat regularly: aim to keep the waist circumference below half the height.

Formula used

Waist-to-height ratio = waist circumference ÷ height

NICE: waist-to-height ratio guidance