Waist hip ratio or Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It is calculated by measuring the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button, and dividing by your hip circumference at its widest part of the buttocks or hip. Waist Hip ratio is applied both to women and men.
Waist Hip Ratio can be used as an indicator or measure to your health, and the risk of developing serious health conditions. 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.
The following table shows your health status by means of your waist hip ratio:
Male |
Female |
Health Risk Based Solely on WHR |
|
0.95 or below |
0.80 or below |
Low Risk |
|
0.96 to 1.0 |
0.81 to 0.85 |
Moderate Risk |
|
1.0+ |
0.85+ |
High Risk |
