Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator

Waist to Hip Ratio Explained

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a dimensionless ratio of the circumference of the wait to that of the hips, used as a body shape indicator and a measure of health risks and fertility.

The waist to hip ratio is an indicator obtained by dividing the circumference of the waist to that of the hips and it is often used to evaluate abdominal fat distribution.

WHR (W:H) = Waist circumference / Hip circumference

Where both are in the same measurement unit, whether English (inches) or Metric (centimetres).

Taking the measurements

According to WHO data gathering advice, the waist circumference should be measured at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable ribs and the top of the iliac crest, using a stretch‐resistant tape.

Waist measurement can be also taken at the navel but research has shown these tend to underestimate true waist circumference.

Hip size should be measured around the widest portion of the buttocks, with the tape parallel to the floor.

The individual is also advised to stand with feet closed, arms at the side and body weight evenly distributed during the measurements. Each measurement should be repeated twice, in case there is within 1cm difference between the determinations, the average should be considered.

WHR interpretation

• According to WHO – abdominal obesity cut-off is a waist-hip ratio of above 0.90 for males and above 0.85 for females or a body mass index (BMI) of above 30.0.
• The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has devised a cut-off for increased health risk at waist-hip ratio of above 1.0 for males and above 0.80 for females.

WHR has been statistically found to be a better predictor of mortality in older people, as well as better predictor of cardiovascular disease, than waist circumference alone or body mass index (BMI), however, more accurate estimates of body fat percentage remain the most accurate measure of relative weight.

In terms of fertility, a WHR of 0.9 for males and 0.7 for females was found to correlate strongly with general health and fertility. Women within the 0.7 range tend to have optimal levels of estrogen and are in consequence, less susceptible to cardiovascular disorders, diabetes or ovarian malignancy.

References

World Health Organization. Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio Report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva. Geneva World Health Organization. 2011; 1-39.

Seidell JC. Waist circumference and waist/hip ratio in relation to all-cause mortality, cancer and sleep apnea. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010; 64(1):35-41.

Singh D. Body shape and women’s attractiveness. The critical role of waist-to-hip ratio. Human Nature. 1993; 4‚ 297-321.