The Lancet and NHS both cite waist size as a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI alone — especially at borderline weights.
Women: waist under 31.5 inches is low risk; 31.5–34.5 is increased risk; over 34.5 is high risk.
Men: waist under 37 inches is low risk; 37–40 is increased risk; over 40 is high risk.
For all adults, the half-your-height rule is the simplest evidence-backed rule of thumb.
Visceral fat around the liver and pancreas drives insulin resistance and inflammation more than subcutaneous fat elsewhere.
See your waist-to-height ratio and risk band.
WHtR Calculator →
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The clearest waist guideline for women, based on the NHS and Ashwell Waist-to-Height ratio — no charts, just one rule.
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