The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a quick measure of fat distribution that may help indicate a person's overall health.
What does a person's waist-to-hip ratio say about their health?
Research shows people who are “apple-shaped” are at a greater risk of certain health conditions than those who are “pear-shaped” (when the hips are wider than the upper body).
These health conditions include:
Cardiovascular disease: One study found that abdominal obesity increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Another study found the WHR predicted cardiovascular disease more effectively than BMI or waist circumference. A third study found that WHR is a better indicator of risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than waist circumference alone.
Type 2 diabetes: A 2016 study found that an increased waist circumference was linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Fertility: A 2002 study found that women with a WHR of over 0.80 have a lower pregnancy rate than those with a lower WHR, regardless of their BMI.
A 2006 study with almost 15,000 older people (75 years of age or older), it was concluded that "waist to hip ratio" is more important than how much you weigh. The researchers looked at the relationship between waist to hip ratio and Body Mass Index (BMI - how we measure weight for height) and how many people died over the next 6 years.
So how do you measure your waist to hip ratio? You need a tape measure and a calculator. Here's how you do it:
1: Measure your waist at the smallest point - usually at the navel or just above it
2: Measure you hips at the widest, largest part
3: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement (Waist Measurement ÷ Hip Measurement)
Conclusion
Measuring a person's WHR is a quick way to get an indication of:
Overall health
Obesity levels
Risk of weight-related health conditions
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