episodedb

309. How to Test Your Waist-to-Height Ratio

October 1, 2026 · 7 min

You might think being "skinny fat" is just about looking soft under your clothes, but a 2023 study found 26% of normal-weight men and 38% of normal-weight women actually had excess body fat their BMI never showed. The real name for it is normal weight obesity, and your scale, your mirror, and your last physical all miss it. This episode covers the four numbers that actually catch it, and the three things that fix it.


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Timestamps

00:00 – Intro of Show

01:05 – The "eat more or eat less?" thread

01:50 – What is "skinny fat"? (Normal weight obesity)

01:58 – The research: 1 in 3 women affected

02:31 – Why the scale & mirror can't see it

02:52 – Metric 1: Waist-to-height ratio

03:15 – Metric 2: Grip strength

03:30 – Metric 3: Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio

03:48 – Metric 4: DEXA scan

04:16 – Weight vs. body composition

04:40 – Fix 1: Protein

05:07 – Fix 2: Resistance training

05:23 – Fix 3: Slow the weight loss

06:01 – Muscle loss with age


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not intended for diagnosing or treating any health condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health or wellness decisions.


Gary Brecka is the owner of Ultimate Human, LLC which operates The Ultimate Human podcast and promotes certain third-party products used by Gary Brecka in his personal health and wellness protocols and daily life and for which Ultimate Human LLC and / or Gary Brecka directly or indirectly holds an economic interest or receives compensation.  Accordingly, statements made by Gary Brecka and others (including on The Ultimate Human podcast) may be considered promotional in nature.

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Gary Brecka