| WHtR | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Less than 0.4 | Take Care (possibly underweight) |
| 0.4 - 0.49 | Healthy, no action Needed |
| 0.5 - 0.59 | Consider Action |
| ≥ 0.6 | Take Action |
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What does this mean for you?
Healthy:
A Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) of 0.4 - 0.49 is considered to be within the healthy range. Maintaining your WHtR around this range and a healthy BMI score is likely to reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues. A good tip to remember is to aim to keep your waist circumference to less than half your height.
| BMI kg/m2 | Description |
|---|---|
| 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 - 34.9 | Obesity Class I |
| 35.0 - 39.9 | Obesity Class II |
| ≥ 40 | Obesity Class III |
ZA25OB00227, June 2025
References
- Ashwell, Margaret. (2011). Charts Based on Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio to Assess the Health Risks of Obesity: A Review. The Open Obesity Journal. 311. 78-84. 10.2174/1876823701103010078.
- Department of Health & Human Services (1999) Body mass index (BMI), Better Health Channel. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/body-mass-index-bmi#where-to-get-help
- Overweight and obesity management (2025) NICE. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246