Waist to hip ratio:
Health experts recommend a waist to hip ratio (WTH) of 1.0 or less in men, and 0.9 or less in women.
Waist to Hip Ratio Chart
Calculate your waist to hip ratio for men or women using the waist to hip ratio calculator and compare your results against the chart below. The values vary be gender so make sure to check your result against the appropriate column.
| Gender | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | < 0.95 | < 0.80 |
| Some Risk | 0.96 - 1.00 | 0.81 - 0.85 |
| High Risk | > 1.00 | > 0.86 |
Table of Contents
What is the Waist to Hip Ratio?
The WTH ratio is an important factor in determining your general health and risk of developing cardiovascular related diseases. Doctors use the ratio as a way to measure the body fat distribution in the abdomen and hips.
Is the Waist to Hip Ratio Accurate?
Both the waist to hip ratio calculator and the waist to height ratio calculator are used by specialists as an alternative to the body mass index, which requires measuring height and weight using a BMI calculator. Many medical professionals consider the calculation to be more accurate due to accounting for abdominal fat which poses a higher risk of leading to serious health issues.
The ratio is calculated from a formula, which measures how much fat is being stored in the abdomen and how much is stored in the hips and legs. It is generally expressed as a decimal with a value of less than 1 in healthy individuals.
The waist to hip formula can be written as:WTH = waist circumference / hip circumference
How to Calculate Waist to Hip?
To measure your waist to hip ratio, follow these 3 simple steps:
- Measure your waist circumference in centimeters.
- Measure your hip circumference in centimeters.
- Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference.
Your WTH Ratio is the result of this calculation.
When Should You Use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
The waist-to-hip ratio is one of the most important measurements in health. It is commonly used by doctors and medical professionals to determine the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions and diseases.
Determining the ratio of waist to hip, is a very quick and easy method that can be used to calculate a person's risk of future health problems. The best part is that you can use it at home and take a few measurements.
What is the Ideal Waist to Hip Ratio?
The ideal waist to hip ratio for men is between 0.85 and 0.95. In terms of attractivenes, men should aim to have a ratio of around 0.9 as this is considered the ideal body proportions for men (in western countries).
The ideal waist to hip ratio for women is between 0.7 and 0.8. Women with a waist to hip ratio of around 0.7 are considered to be in ideal health and at the lowest risk for obesity-related health problems.
A ratio of 0.7 is the ideal body proportions for women in terms of attractiveness. For women with hip to waist ratio greater than 0.8, their body fat is stored in their hips and legs and they are at a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
What People Don't Realise About This Measurement
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of body fat distribution that is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. It is used to determine the distribution of fat in the body and is a measure of abdominal obesity. Some unknown things about waist-to-hip measurements include:
- There is some debate over the best way to measure waist and hip circumferences. Some researchers argue that the measurement should be taken at the narrowest point of the waist, while others argue that it should be taken at the level of the umbilicus (belly button).
- There is also some debate over the best method for calculating WHR. Some researchers use the average of three measurements taken at different points, while others use a single measurement.
- WHR is not a perfect measure of body fat distribution, as it does not take into account other factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall body shape.
- WHR has been found to be a better predictor of health risks such as heart disease and diabetes than body mass index (BMI), but it is not a perfect predictor and should be considered in conjunction with other measures of body fat and overall health.
FAQS
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measurement that assesses the distribution of fat around the waist and hips. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference.
WHR is calculated using the following formula: WHR = Waist Circumference (in cm) / Hip Circumference (in cm). The result gives a ratio that indicates the distribution of fat around the waist and hips.
For men, a WHR of 0.90 or lower is generally considered healthy. For women, a WHR of 0.85 or lower is considered healthy. However, individual health goals and risk factors should be taken into account. Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized assessments is recommended.
WHR is considered a useful health indicator because it provides insight into the distribution of body fat. A higher WHR, indicating more fat around the waist, is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
WHR is a valuable health indicator for a wide range of individuals, including adults and children. It can be particularly valuable for those at risk of central obesity-related health issues. However, like any health measurement, it should be considered alongside other factors and discussed with a healthcare professional for personalized assessments.
Yes, WHR can be a valuable tool for tracking changes in body fat distribution and overall health. By periodically measuring waist and hip circumferences, individuals can monitor their progress in terms of reducing central obesity and improving overall health.