WAIST-HIP RATIO
WHAT IS IT?
Waist-Hip Ratio looks at the proportion of fat stored around a person’s waist and hips. It is a
calculation of the measurement of a person’s waist girth divided by the measurement of the
person’s hip girth.
HOW IS IT DONE?
The measurements are taken using a tape measure to determine the waist and hip girth of a
person. The waist girth measurement is then divided by the hip girth measurement. Any unit
can be used (i.e., inches or centimeters, etc.) since the ratio will come out the same no matter
what unit is used.
WHY IS IT DONE?
This measure is often used to determine a person’s Coronary Artery Disease risk. Most people
are described as having an “apple shape” or a “pear shape.” This refers to the way they store
body fat. Those who are apple-shaped carry extra weight around their mid-section while those
who are pear-shaped carry extra weight around their hips and thighs. Extra weight around the
middle poses a greater risk to health than fat stored elsewhere in the body. The apple-shaped are
more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, etc.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Compare your results to the chart below, which shows general guidelines for waist-hip ratio.
MY RESULTS ARE:
WAIST (cm or in)
HIP (cm or in)
RATIO
WAIST divided by HIP equals Ratio.
MALE
FEMALE
ACCEPTABLE
EXCELLENT
GOOD
< 0.85
0.85-0.90
< 0.75
0.75-0.80
UNACCEPTABLE
AVERAGE
HIGH
EXTREME
0.90-0.95
0.95-1.00
> 1.00
0.80-0.85
0.85-0.90
> 0.90
For further information visit www.shapeup.org • www.americanheart.org • win.niddk.nih.gov • www.nutrition.com
Resources are available upon request
Follow up Counseling within two weeks: [email protected] · (888) 434-4358 x 120
9320 H Court • Omaha, NE 68127 • (888) 434-4358 • www.totalwellnesshealth.com
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