Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
WHR is the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference. It helps assess body fat distribution, particularly abdominal fat, which is linked to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Calculators List
Why does fat distribution matter more than total weight?
Where your body stores fat significantly impacts your health. Central fat around the abdomen is more metabolically active and associated with higher health risks than fat around the hips and thighs.
WHR Guidelines
| Gender | Low Risk | Moderate Risk | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Below 0.80 | 0.81-0.85 | Above 0.85 |
| Male | Below 0.90 | 0.91-0.95 | Above 0.95 |
How can WHR help me assess my health risks?
WHR is a simple measure that can flag potential risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, even if you’re at a normal BMI or healthy weight.
Can WHR be improved, and how?
Yes! Regular cardiovascular and resistance training, paired with a healthy diet, can help reduce central fat and improve your WHR.
Is WHR applicable for all body types?
WHR is generally useful across body types but may be less accurate for certain ethnic groups.
Why prioritize abdominal fat reduction?
Reducing WHR by lowering abdominal fat can decrease inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, key for preventing metabolic disorders.
Learn more about WHR’s health implications at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. and See the World Health Organization for more details on WHR and health.