What is Waist-to-hip Ratio?
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a quick and simple way to estimate how body fat is distributed, particularly around the abdomen — an area that surrounds many vital organs and is linked to greater health risks when excess fat accumulates there.
Experts use WHR measurements alongside other metrics such as BMI to estimate the amount and location of body fat. This combination gives healthcare professionals an idea of how your body composition might affect your overall health and risk of disease.
How to calculate WHR
The formula is simple:
Where to measure
- Waist: Measure midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bones, just above the belly button
- Hips: Measure at the widest point around the buttocks, keeping the tape level
Example
- Waist: 92 cm
- Hips: 112 cm
Health risk categories
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that keeping your WHR below certain thresholds may help reduce your risk of health problems.
| Female | Male | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0.80 or lower | 0.95 or lower | Low health risk |
| 0.81 – 0.85 | 0.96 – 1.0 | Moderate risk |
| 0.86 or higher | 1.0 or higher | High risk |
WHO Recommended Thresholds
- Women: WHR of 0.85 or less
- Men: WHR of 0.90 or less
Understanding body shapes
Pear Shape (Low Risk)
People with pear-shaped bodies carry more fat around their hips and thighs. This usually means a WHR of 0.80 or below for women, and 0.95 or below for men. This fat distribution is generally associated with lower health risks.
Avocado Shape (Moderate Risk)
Those whose ratios fall between the pear and apple thresholds are at moderate risk. Fat distribution is relatively balanced between the waist and hips.
Apple Shape (High Risk)
People with apple-shaped bodies carry more fat around the middle, with ratios of 0.86 or above for women and 1.0 or above for men. Fat stored around the abdomen is considered more harmful, as it surrounds vital organs and is linked to a higher risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Some forms of cancer
WHR vs BMI
WHR and BMI measure different things:
| Metric | What it measures |
|---|---|
| BMI | Overall body weight relative to height |
| WHR | Fat distribution pattern |
A person with a normal BMI can still have a high WHR if they carry excess fat around the abdomen. Using both metrics together gives a more complete picture of health risk.
Limitations
While WHR can provide helpful insight into fat distribution and associated health risks, it should not be used in isolation to diagnose medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for a full assessment.
Factors that can affect accuracy include:
- Measurement technique (tape must be level and snug)
- Pregnancy
- Body posture during measurement
- Extreme body types (very muscular or very lean)
References
- World Health Organization. Waist Circumference and Waist–Hip Ratio. WHO Press, 2011.
- Healthline. Apple Body Shape: What It Means for Your Health.
- Harvard Health Publishing. The link between abdominal fat and death: What is the shape of health?