Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator for Indians
Measure your abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk using WHO thresholds — with South Asian-specific waist circumference cut-offs (90 cm men / 80 cm women) from ICMR and IDF guidelines.
Measure at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button.
Measure at the widest point around your buttocks.
Your Results
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
0.9
Moderate risk
Based on WHO thresholds for men.
Waist circumference (men)
90 cm
Within the South Asian safe range (≤ 90 cm).
Reference Ranges
| Risk | Men (WHR) | Women (WHR) |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 0.90 | < 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.90 – 0.99 | 0.80 – 0.84 |
| High | ≥ 1.00 | ≥ 0.85 |
Why this matters for Indians: South Asians carry more visceral (abdominal) fat at lower BMIs. The IDF and ICMR recommend stricter waist thresholds — > 90 cm in men and > 80 cm in women — to detect abdominal obesity, which is a stronger predictor of diabetes and heart disease than total weight.
Concerned about your numbers?
Abdominal obesity is modifiable. A licensed doctor can assess your metabolic risk and build a personalised plan — online, from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio for Indians?+
The WHO recommends a WHR below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. Above these values, abdominal obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. For South Asians, any value above these thresholds is especially concerning because of our higher baseline visceral fat.
Why do Indians need stricter waist thresholds?+
The IDF and ICMR recommend abdominal obesity cut-offs of > 90 cm for Indian men and > 80 cm for Indian women — about 10 cm stricter than older global thresholds. This is because South Asians develop metabolic complications (diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver) at smaller waist sizes than other populations.
Is WHR better than BMI for predicting health risk?+
For cardiovascular and diabetes risk, yes — several large studies (including INTERHEART) found waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference predict heart attacks better than BMI. A 'normal-weight' person by BMI who carries fat around the abdomen can still be at high metabolic risk.
How do I measure waist and hip correctly?+
Stand relaxed, breathe normally, and use a flexible tape. Measure waist at the narrowest point between the lower ribs and top of hips (usually just above the belly button). Measure hips at the widest point around your buttocks. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight.