Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips and is a tool doctors use to assess whether excess weight might pose health risks.
Why track my Waist to Hip ratio?
Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) is used to assess body fat distribution, which can indicate potential health risks. It helps determine whether fat is primarily stored around the abdomen (apple-shaped body) or around the hips and thighs (pear-shaped body).
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Health implications include
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Higher WHR (apple-shaped body): Is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
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Lower WHR (pear-shaped body): Is generally considered less risky for these health conditions.
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Unlike body mass index (BMI), which evaluates the relationship between your weight and height, WHR focuses on the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference.
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This distinction matters because not all types of excess weight carry the same health risks.
What does the Waist to Hip ratio mean for me?
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a WHR of 1.0 or greater increases the risk of chronic conditions including heart disease that are linked to being overweight
Waist to Hip ratio guidelines
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Women
Low health risk: 0.80 or lower
Mid health risk: 0.81 - 0.85
High health risk: 0.86 or greater
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Men
Low health risk: 0.95 or lower
Mid health risk: 0.96 - 1.0
High health risk: 1.01 or greater