waist-to-hip Ratio
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist to hip ratio, or WHR, is
the ratio of the circumference
of the waist to that of the
hips. It is calculated by
measuring the smallest
circumference of the
natural waist, usually
just above the belly
button, and dividing by
the largest circumference
of the buttocks or hips.
The ratio is applied both to
women and men.
The WHR has been used as
an indicator or measure of
the health of a person, and
the risk of developing serious
health conditions. In particular, it is used to assess the risk
of heart disease and hypertension. Health risk standards
vary with age and gender. Research shows that people
with “apple-shaped” bodies (with more weight around the
waist) face more health risks than those with “pear-shaped”
bodies, who carry more weight around the hips. Those that
are considered “apples” are at a much higher risk for heart
disease and hypertension than “pears.” Research shows that
abdominal fat particularly raises health risks for women. If
you want to get the most accurate measure of potential risk
from belly fat, measure your hips and calculate your waist to
hip ratio.
what does your WHR mean?
WHR is used as a measurement of obesity, which in turn is a
possible indicator of other more serious health conditions. To
get your waist to hip ratio, measure your waist circumference
in inches and divide it by your hip circumference in inches.
An abnormal ratio is said to be:
WHR Ratio Guidelines
For Women:
.85 and above
For Men:
1.0 and above
how to measure
your wHR
To get your waist-to-hip ratio,
measure the waist at its narrowest
point, then measure the hips at
their widest point.
Hips - Standing, measure at the
largest girth, where the buttocks or
hips are protruding the greatest.
Waist - Standing, measure at the
narrowest point or at the midway point
between the top of the hip bone and
the bottom of the rib cage.
Criteria for Waist Circumference in Adults
Waist Circumferences
Females
Males
Risk
Category
cm
in
cm
in
Very Low
<70
28.5
<80
31.5
Low
70-89
28.5-35.0
80-99
31.5-39.0
High
90-109 35.5-43.0 100-120 39.5-47.0
Very High
>109
>43.0
>120
>47.0
If you are a male and your waist measurement is 32 inches and
your hip measurement is equal to 38 inches, your waist-to-hip
ratio is 0.84, which is defined as low risk.
Example:
32 inches
= 0.84 inches
38 inches
As the ratio increases, so does the risk. It takes exercise and a
healthy diet to lose belly fat.
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