As Indian parents, we often equate a chubby child with a healthy child. But what if your child looks normal or even slim and still carries unhealthy fat around the waist? This type of fat, known as abdominal or visceral fat, can silently increase your child’s risk of lifestyle diseases in the future.
One of the most effective — yet overlooked — tools to detect such hidden health risks is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Unlike weight or BMI, WHR gives a more accurate picture of where fat is stored in the body.
WHR is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference.
Formula: WHR = Waist (in cm) ÷ Hips (in cm)
A higher WHR means more fat is stored around the waist compared to the hips — which could signal early signs of metabolic risks, even if your child’s overall weight appears normal.
While BMI (Body Mass Index) tells you about a child’s weight in relation to height, it doesn’t show how fat is distributed. This is a major concern in Indian children, who are more likely to develop central obesity — fat that accumulates around the belly.
Studies have shown that even children with a normal BMI may have a high WHR and be at risk for Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, fatty liver, insulin resistance.
Indian children are genetically and environmentally more vulnerable to obesity-related health risks:
According to the ICMR-INDIAB study and NFHS-5 data, childhood obesity and related conditions like prediabetes are on the rise in India, especially in urban families.
Start measuring from age 5 and above. Once a year during annual checkups is ideal. Combining WHR measurement with BMI, Body composition analysis, diet and activity assessment give a clearer picture.
Cut down on sugary drinks, junk food, and processed snacks. Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
At least 60 minutes of movement daily. Walking, dancing, cycling, or playing sports can help.
Set boundaries for mobile and TV use, especially after dinner.
Schools that offer annual health screening can give early insights. Pediatricians and nutritionists can help create a child-specific plan.
At Vigour360, we use AI-powered school health programs to screen for:
Our mission is to detect health risks early and guide schools and parents to take timely action — so that children don’t just grow, but thrive.
Your child’s waistline matters — not just how much they weigh. Waist-to-hip ratio is a simple, non-invasive tool that can offer early warnings for serious health issues.
As Indian parents, we have the opportunity to break the cycle of lifestyle diseases by acting early. Monitor your child’s WHR regularly, build healthy habits at home.
School health programs play a vital role in early detection by including WHR and other vital screenings. Many schools today partner with expert providers to bring preventive health services directly to students. This ensures parents get timely insights into their child's overall well-being, not just academics. Let’s raise a generation that is truly fit — inside and out.
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