Doctors explain simple 'string test' that can see how healthy you really are

Doctors have explained how a simple ‘string test’ can help measure your health.

It’s thought this at-home trick could be a better gauge than the body mass index (BMI). And I mean, there are plenty of people who question that health measure, which is often used by the NHS.

But then again, they’ve surely got to be a better measure than when we’d literally use video game systems as a kid to get a full-on health reading.

However, as some bash the controversial BMI, the string test has long been recommended to use waist size as a way of measuring how much fat a person may be carrying.

The late Dr Michael Mosley often spoke about this method and looked at studies that showed waist size to be a better predictor of health risks than BMI, particularly in women.

And his wife and son, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley and Dr Jack Mosley, shared an Instagram video about the ‘quick and easy’ method to evaluate your metabolic health.

What is metabolic health?

Essentially, your metabolic health relates to how the body processes the likes of fats and sugar.

According to Bupa, a key factor is thought to be the way in which your body responds to the insulin hormone, and when its process doesn’t work so well, we can develop insulin resistance, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

Insulin resistance can be linked to: larger waist size, increased blood pressure and unhealthy fat levels. And if your metabolic health is poor, it may mean you have unhealthy levels of those.

When metabolic health is measured, factors such as fat levels, waist circumference, blood sugar, and blood pressure are taken into account.

Having good metabolic health can decrease your risk of disease and enhance your general well-being.

How does the string test work?

The Mosleys say the test is a ‘quick and easy way to give a rough idea of your metabolic health’.

They wrote on Instagram: “The core principle is that your waist should be less than half your height, otherwise you may be at an increased risk of cardio metabolic diseases from heart disease to diabetes to high blood pressure.

“In some ways it is a more practical screening tool than BMI which doesn’t account for distribution of fat or muscle mass.”

They explained that BMI doesn’t always account for ‘distribution of fat’ or muscle mass.

“One of the fats that we are more concerned about is your visceral fat,” Jack explained. “And this is a fat around your midriff.”

He added that it’s not about ‘shaming anyone’ but is simply ‘quite important’.

How to do the string test

So, as the name suggests, all you need is a piece of string (and maybe someone else to help you).

You then use the string to measure your height, making note of how much string you line up with before wrapping the string around your waist.

The whole idea is that your waistline should measure in at less than half of your height as a measure of good metabolic health.

To instead measure your BMI, use the NHS calculator or divide your weight in kg by your height in metres squared.

It’s important to know that being a healthy weight doesn’t always guarantee good metabolic health. And you can also be classed as overweight or obese yet still be metabolically healthy. Always seek advice from a medical professional if you have any concerns.