The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a quick screening tool to check for health risks associated with your body fat distribution:
| Category | Male | Female | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | ≤ 0.90 | ≤ 0.80 | Low risk of health complications |
| Moderate Risk | 0.91 - 0.99 | 0.81 - 0.85 | Moderate risk of health complications |
| High Risk | ≥ 1.0 | ≥ 0.86 | High risk of health complications |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized health guidance.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement that compares your waist circumference to your hip circumference. It's a powerful indicator of body fat distribution and associated health risks.
Fun fact: The waist-to-hip ratio was first popularized in medical research during the 1980s when scientists discovered that where you carry fat on your body is often more important for health than how much fat you carry overall.
WHR helps distinguish between "apple-shaped" individuals (who carry more weight around their waist) and "pear-shaped" individuals (who carry more weight around their hips and thighs). Apple-shaped body types are associated with higher health risks.
Keep in mind that WHR should be used alongside other health indicators like BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels for a complete health assessment.
The calculation is straightforward: divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For accurate results:
Research shows that people with higher WHR (apple-shaped) have increased risk of:
This is because abdominal fat (visceral fat) is more metabolically active than fat stored in hips and thighs, leading to greater health risks.