Waist-Hip Ratio - Apple and Pear Shapes

Research shows that people with "apple shaped" bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with "pear shaped" bodies (more weight around hips).

How can I find out my waist-hip ratio?

It's very simple to calculate your waist-hip ratio, using a soft measuring tape such as those used in sewing, and a basic calculator.

1. Slowly breathe out. Don't hold your stomach in.

2. Measure your waist circumference at the narrowest part. Do not pull the tape too tight.

3. Measure your hip circumference at its widest part.

4. On your calculator, divide waist measurement by hip measurement.

5. For example, if your waist is 35" and your hips are 41", then divide 35 by 41, and your calculator will give you a reading of 0.85. This is the waist-hip ratio (or W.H.R.).

Waist to Hip Ratio Chart

Male

Female

Health Risk Based Solely on WHR

0.95 or less

0.80 or less

Low Risk

0.96 to 1.0

0.81 to 0.85

Moderate Risk

1.0 or higher

0.85 or higher

High Risk

It's now known that waist-to-hip ratio (W.H.R.) is a better marker of cardiovascular disease than body mass index (BMI).

A study of 27,000 people from 52 countries was carried out to ascertain which measure of obesity (BMI, waist-to-hip, or waist or hip) shows the strongest relation to risk of cardiovascular disease. The study clearly showed that Waist-to-Hip ratio was the most accurate indicator, even when taking adjustments for BMI, height and other risk factors into account.

The study concluded that using waist-to-hip ratio rather than BMI as a measure of obesity (and hence risk for disease) greatly increases the proportion of people considered at risk.

This suggests that as many as three times more people would be classed as overweight or obese if the waist-to-hip ratio were used, rather than BMI.

Reference:

Yusuf S, Hawken S, Ounpuu S, et al. Obesity and the risk of myocardial infarction in 27,000 participants from 52 countries: a case-control study. Lancet 2005;366(9497):1640-9

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