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WHtR calculator

Waist-to-height ratio

More precise than BMI – and, with a BMI between 32 and 35, decisive for cover of lipoedema treatment by German statutory health insurance. Calculate your value now.

Calculate now

Medically reviewed byDr. med. Martin Reifenrath, Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryLast reviewed:

Why WHtR in lipoedema?

BMI misleads – WHtR tells the truth

In lipoedema, diseased fatty tissue builds up mainly on the legs and arms – not on the abdomen. Conventional BMI does not recognise this fat distribution disorder and classifies many patients as “too heavy”.

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) specifically measures your waist circumference in relation to your height. In patients with lipoedema, this value is often normal – a medically important finding.

  • Detects fat distribution disorders more precisely than BMI
  • Decisive with a BMI between 32 and 35
  • Recognised as a criterion by German statutory health insurance
  • Easy to measure with a tape measure

How to measure correctly

Measuring your waist

Measure your waist circumference halfway between the lower edge of your ribs and the top of your hip bone – relaxed, without pulling your stomach in, in the morning before breakfast. Your height is your normal standing height without shoes.

WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height

Example: waist 88 cm, height 168 cm → WHtR = 0.52

  • Below 0.50 → favourable fat distribution
  • 0.50 – 0.59 → increased risk
  • Above 0.60 → greatly increased risk

Your personal result

Calculate your WHtR now

Enter your waist circumference and height – and, optionally, your weight and age for an assessment regarding German statutory health insurance cover.

Medical diagnostic tool

Waist-to-height ratio
calculator (WHtR)

For patients with lipoedema, the WHtR is more meaningful than the BMI — and for cover by German statutory health insurance with a BMI between 32 and 35 it is decisive (for patients insured in Germany).

Why WHtR? With lipoedema, fat is deposited mainly on the legs & arms — not on the abdomen. The BMI therefore often classifies patients incorrectly; the WHtR shows whether the weight sits on the abdomen. With weight and age, the calculator also checks the limits of German statutory health insurance.

Statutory cover since October 2025

Why WHtR matters for health insurance

Since October 2025, liposuction for lipoedema has been covered by German statutory health insurance in all stages (for patients insured in Germany). With a BMI between 32 and 35, the WHtR is part of the decision.

BMI

< 32

BMI no obstacle

Since October 2025, German statutory health insurance has covered liposuction once lipoedema has been confirmed – without an individual application. The requirement is 6 months of conservative therapy without weight gain.

BMI

32 – 35

WHtR is decisive

In this BMI range, the WHtR counts: it must not exceed the age-related limit – 0.50 up to the age of 40, 0.60 from the age of 50. A low value shows that the excess weight is not on the abdomen.

BMI

> 35

No statutory cover

With a BMI above 35, liposuction is not permitted as a statutory insurance benefit. Treating the excess weight comes first – talk to us.

Your next step

Book a diagnosis appointment now

The WHtR calculator is a first point of orientation. We examine you and discuss your findings; the confirmed diagnosis for the health insurer is made by an appropriately authorised specialist – we will tell you who can do this. We carry out operations covered by statutory insurance at our NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim.

Enquire without obligation

The calculator is intended for orientation only and does not replace a medical diagnosis.

Personal & no obligation

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