Waist indices WHR, WHtR and VAI
WHR = waist / hips; WHtR = waist / height. Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis after a natural exhalation, and hips at the widest point. VAI additionally uses weight, triglycerides and HDL in mmol/L following Amato (2010).
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Calculation
This calculation is for reference only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medication or have any doubts, discuss the result with a physician or a qualified nutrition professional.
Result
- Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)
- 0.47
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
- 0.86
No index directly measures visceral fat. Low WHtR does not establish underweight; universal WHR and VAI categories are not assigned. NICE WHtR recommendations apply to adults with BMI < 35.
WHR = waist / hips; WHtR = waist / height. Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis after a natural exhalation, and hips at the widest point. VAI additionally uses weight, triglycerides and HDL in mmol/L following Amato (2010).
No index directly measures visceral fat. Low WHtR does not establish underweight; universal WHR and VAI categories are not assigned. NICE WHtR recommendations apply to adults with BMI < 35.
How it is calculated
WHR = waist / hips; WHtR = waist / height. Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis after a natural exhalation, and hips at the widest point. VAI additionally uses weight, triglycerides and HDL in mmol/L following Amato (2010).
Formula
WHtR = Waist / Height; WHR = Waist / Hip; VAI (Men) = (Waist/(39.68+1.88×BMI)) × (TG/1.03) × (1.31/HDL); VAI (Women) = (Waist/(35.58+1.89×BMI)) × (TG/0.81) × (1.52/HDL).
Limits of the method
No index directly measures visceral fat. Low WHtR does not establish underweight; universal WHR and VAI categories are not assigned. NICE WHtR recommendations apply to adults with BMI < 35.
Sources of the method
- Ashwell M et al. Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev, 2012
- World Health Organization. Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation. Geneva, 2008
- Amato MC et al. Visceral Adiposity Index: a reliable indicator of visceral fat function associated with cardiometabolic risk. Diabetes Care, 2010
How to use the calculation
Enter the starting values
WHR = waist / hips; WHtR = waist / height. Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis after a natural exhalation, and hips at the widest point. VAI additionally uses weight, triglycerides and HDL in mmol/L following Amato (2010).
Adjust the parameters
WHtR = Waist / Height; WHR = Waist / Hip; VAI (Men) = (Waist/(39.68+1.88×BMI)) × (TG/1.03) × (1.31/HDL); VAI (Women) = (Waist/(35.58+1.89×BMI)) × (TG/0.81) × (1.52/HDL).
Read the result
No index directly measures visceral fat. Low WHtR does not establish underweight; universal WHR and VAI categories are not assigned. NICE WHtR recommendations apply to adults with BMI < 35.
Frequently asked questions
What does the calculation show?
WHR = waist / hips; WHtR = waist / height. Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis after a natural exhalation, and hips at the widest point. VAI additionally uses weight, triglycerides and HDL in mmol/L following Amato (2010).
What limitations apply?
No index directly measures visceral fat. Low WHtR does not establish underweight; universal WHR and VAI categories are not assigned. NICE WHtR recommendations apply to adults with BMI < 35.
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