Screening context
Use the ratio alongside BMI
NICE recommends waist-to-height ratio alongside BMI to assess central adiposity in adults with BMI below 35. The ratio does not diagnose a disease or replace a review of medical history and other risk factors.1
*12 month plan, billed once for the term when a physician approves. Renews each term.
| Central adiposity category | Unrounded ratio | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy central adiposity | 0.40 to less than 0.50 | Adults with BMI below 35 |
| Increased central adiposity | 0.50 to less than 0.60 | Adults with BMI below 35 |
| High central adiposity | 0.60 or more | Adults with BMI below 35 |
NICE associates the increased and high categories with greater health risks. A ratio below 0.40 is outside these listed categories; it is not a diagnosis of underweight.
Measurement
Measure at the recommended location
Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. Place the tape midway between these points around your waist and breathe out naturally before reading it. Divide waist by height using the same units.1
Start here · one question
What's your goal weight?
Choose a goal to discuss with your clinician. You can change it in your intake.
Use this adult screening context only where appropriate. Pregnancy and other circumstances that affect waist measurement need individual interpretation.
The displayed ratio is rounded, while the category uses the unrounded ratio. A value very near a boundary can display as the next rounded number. Discuss an increased-risk measurement with a healthcare professional rather than treating the category as a diagnosis.
