Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

A quick indicator of cardiometabolic health risk.

Overview

Evaluates visceral abdominal fat distribution and cardiovascular disease risk by comparing waist circumference to hip circumference.

Formula & Calculation Method

WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference

World Health Organization obesity cutoffs for cardiovascular risk: WHR > 0.90 for men, WHR > 0.85 for women.

Worked Example: Adult Male with 88 cm Waist and 98 cm Hips

Inputs: Waist = 88 cm | Hips = 98 cm | Sex = Male

  • WHR Ratio = 88 / 98 = 0.898 (0.90)
  • WHO Cardiovascular Risk Category: Moderate / Normal Risk (Threshold is 0.90)

Summary: Waist = 88 cm | Hips = 98 cm | WHR = 0.90 | Risk Classification = Normal

Common Use Cases

  • Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment: Screen for risks of type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
  • Body Composition Tracking: Measure changes in central abdominal fat during targeted diet and fitness interventions.
  • BMI Contextualization: Complement standard BMI measurements with central visceral adiposity data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Waist-to-Hip Ratio considered better than BMI?

Because WHR distinguishes between healthy subcutaneous fat on the hips/thighs and dangerous visceral fat stored deep around abdominal organs.

What is an apple shape versus a pear shape?

Apple shape carries fat around the abdomen (higher WHR, higher cardiovascular risk); pear shape carries fat around the hips and thighs (lower metabolic risk).

Where should the hip measurement be taken?

Stand with feet together and measure around the widest portion of your buttocks and hips, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

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