Waist-to-Height Ratio (Central Adiposity)
NICE measure of central adiposity for adults with a BMI below 35 kg/m², of both sexes and all ethnicities: waist circumference ÷ height. For BMI itself use the BMI calculator.
Score interpretation
A ratio below 0.4 is outside NICE's classification.
→ Check BMI; consider whether the person is underweight.
Waist-to-height ratio 0.4–0.49: no increased health risks (NICE NG246).
→ Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Waist-to-height ratio 0.5–0.59: increased health risks (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease).
→ Lifestyle advice; check for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.
Waist-to-height ratio 0.6 or more: further increased health risks.
→ Weight management support; assess cardiometabolic risk (diabetes, blood pressure, lipids).
Interpretation bands for the Waist-to-Height Ratio. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- NICE NG246. Overweight and obesity management. 2025 (recommendation 1.9.14, 2022).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ziprasidone · Atypical Antipsychotic — D2/5-HT2A Antagonist (Low Metabolic Risk)
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- Semaglutide · GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- Liraglutide · GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- Tirzepatide · Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist — Type 2 Diabetes / Obesity
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) · JBDS 2013 / Joint British Diabetes Societies; NICE NG17
- Adult Hypoglycaemia (Treated Diabetes) · JBDS-IP (2023): Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia
- Adrenal Crisis · Society for Endocrinology Emergency Guidance (2024)
- Type 2 Diabetes Management · NICE NG28 2022
- Hyperthyroidism Management · BTA / ETA 2018
- Adrenal Insufficiency · Society of Endocrinology / ESE 2016
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.