Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing waist circumference (measured at the narrowest point, or at the navel) by hip circumference (measured at the widest point). WHR is used as an indicator of fat distribution · specifically the proportion of abdominal (visceral) fat relative to hip fat · and is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than BMI alone.

The World Health Organization defines health risk thresholds as: for men, WHR above 0.90 indicates abdominal obesity; for women, above 0.85. Optimal values are generally considered to be below 0.85 for men and below 0.80 for women. WHR above 1.0 in men and above 0.90 in women is associated with significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat) is metabolically more active and harmful than fat stored at the hips and thighs (subcutaneous fat). Visceral fat is closely linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, elevated triglycerides, and raised cardiovascular risk. WHR helps identify 'apple-shaped' body fat distribution, which carries greater health risks than 'pear-shaped' distribution regardless of overall body weight or BMI.