Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI and how is it calculated?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from a person's weight and height. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (BMI = kg/m²). It provides a simple numeric measure to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
What is waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and why is it important?
Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height. It's an important indicator of health risks associated with excess abdominal fat. Unlike BMI, WtHR takes into account where fat is distributed on your body, which is crucial because central (abdominal) obesity is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular diseases and other health issues.
How often should I measure my health metrics?
For most people, measuring once a week is sufficient to track progress without becoming obsessive. Choose a consistent day and time, such as Monday mornings before breakfast, to ensure your measurements are comparable. If you're making significant lifestyle changes, you might want to measure more frequently, but avoid daily measurements as natural weight fluctuations can be discouraging.
How do I measure my waistline correctly?
To measure your waistline correctly, stand up straight and breathe out. Place the measuring tape around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone, which is typically at the level of your navel. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. Take the measurement at the end of a normal breath out.
Is my data secure and private?
Yes, we take data security and privacy very seriously. Your health data is encrypted and stored securely. We do not share your personal information with third parties. You can read our full Privacy Policy for more details.
Can I export my health data?
Yes, Health Tracker allows you to export your data in CSV format, which can be opened in spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets. This feature is available in the dashboard under the Options section.
What are healthy ranges for BMI and WtHR?
For BMI, the generally accepted healthy range is 18.5-24.9. For waist-to-height ratio, a healthy value is typically below 0.5 (or below 0.53 for men and below 0.49 for women). However, these are general guidelines and individual health factors should be considered. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.