Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator for Kids

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Calculator

The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a useful measurement for evaluating the health risks related to obesity in children. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the height. Research suggests that WHtR can be a better predictor of obesity-related health issues than other traditional measurements like Body Mass Index (BMI).

Here’s a simple table summarizing Waist-to-Height Ratio guidelines for kids, which can help in assessing whether a child is at risk for health problems related to their waist size:

Age GroupHealthy WHtR RangeAt Risk WHtRAction/Implication
2-5 years0.41 – 0.49> 0.50Risk of obesity, metabolic disorders
6-10 years0.42 – 0.49> 0.50Risk of obesity, metabolic disorders
11-14 years0.41 – 0.48> 0.50Risk of obesity, metabolic disorders
15-18 years0.41 – 0.47> 0.50Risk of obesity, metabolic disorders

How to Calculate WHtR:

  1. Measure waist circumference (in cm).
  2. Measure height (in cm).
  3. Formula: WHtR = Waist Circumference (cm) / Height (cm)

Key Points:

  • Healthy WHtR is generally below 0.50.
  • If WHtR is greater than 0.50, it indicates higher health risks, including obesity-related complications.
  • This ratio is less dependent on age, making it more universally applicable across different growth stages compared to BMI.

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