Use a caliper such as this one for more accuracy. Note that for low body fat percentages dxa estimates under 14 or so male and 24 female the rfm estimate might be high. Compared to just measuring waist circumference waist to height ratio is equally fair for short and tall persons. The waist height ratio is calculated as waist measurement divided by height measurement w h. Body mass index bmi and waist circumference are screening tools to estimate weight status in relation to potential disease risk. However bmi and waist circumference are not diagnostic tools for disease risks.
A high bmi and large waist size may signal an increased risk of heart disease. It should be less than 50 in healthy adults. The waist to height ratio calculator is a measure of your body fat distribution. Waist to height ratio calculator switch to metric. You will however find a healthy weight range for each height a healthy waist size range for a given hip size and a healthy waist size range for a specific height. Body mass index bmi uses weight and height to estimate body fat.
The rfm formula basis for this tool and short for relative fat mass is based on 1999 2006 nhanes measurement. The average american likes this calculator but is in denial of their waist and overall weight problems. Being underweight is also a health risk. Measure your height and waist circumference. A high amount of body fat can lead to weight related diseases and other health issues. For example a person with a 28 in 71 cm waist and 5 ft 7 in 170 cm height has a waistheight ratio of 042.
It should be less than 50 in healthy adults. According to health guidelines your waist size needs to be less than half your height in inches and a waist to hip ration under 05 to be considered healthy. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes so you wont find a chart that lists standard waist and hip size to go with each height and weight. This calculator is valid for children and adults. Waist to height ratio is a simple measurement for assessment of lifestyle risk and overweight.