Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

What is WHR?

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio ($\text{WHR}$) is a key health indicator calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. Both measurements must be taken in the same units (e.g., centimeters or inches).

$\text{WHR} = \frac{\text{Waist Circumference}}{\text{Hip Circumference}}$

WHR is particularly useful for assessing body fat distribution . A higher WHR indicates a greater proportion of fat stored around the abdomen, known as central obesity or "apple-shaped" body, which is associated with increased health risks compared to fat stored around the hips and thighs ("pear-shaped" body).

Importance and Health Risks

WHR is a well-established predictor of various health conditions. Research consistently shows that individuals with a higher WHR (indicating more abdominal fat) are at increased risk for:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Diseases (heart attack, stroke)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Certain Cancers
• Sleep Apnea
• Metabolic Syndrome

Unlike BMI, which measures overall weight relative to height, WHR specifically assesses the distribution of fat, making it a more direct indicator of visceral fat (fat around organs), which is metabolically more dangerous.

Recommended Boundary Values (WHO Guidelines)

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides widely accepted guidelines for WHR and associated health risks:

These guidelines apply to adults and are often used in conjunction with other health indicators like BMI to provide a comprehensive assessment of health risks.

WHR and Body Shapes

WHR is closely related to common body shape classifications:

• An "apple" shape (higher WHR) means more fat is stored around the waist, which is metabolically less favorable.
• A "pear" shape (lower WHR) means more fat is stored around the hips and thighs, generally considered metabolically healthier.

Understanding your body shape through WHR can help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and health goals.