Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

The Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple technique to measure body fat distribution and is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the the hip circumference The WHR is commonly used as an indicator of health risk, particularly for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

A high WHR is typically associated with an increased risk of health problems since it indicates more fat is being stored in the abdominal region, which can be particularly harmful to health. A WHR of 0.85 or more in women and 1.0 or more in men indicates an increased risk of health problems.

While the WHR is a useful tool for assessing health risks, it should be used with other health indicators, such as body mass index (BMI) and overall fitness level- it is not a comprehensive measure of overall health. WHR can be affected by factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity, so it should be interpreted in the context of these factors too.


Importance of Waist Hip Ratio

The waist-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of body fat distribution that compares the waist circumference to that of the hips. A high WHR indicates a more centralised distribution of body fat, associated with an increased risk of several health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Here are some reasons why the waist-hip ratio is considered an important measure:

1. Health Risk Assessment:

Research has shown that a higher waist-to-hip ratio is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions. Therefore, measuring and monitoring one's waist-to-hip ratio can be an important way to assess overall health risk.

2. Central Obesity:

WHR is an indicator of central obesity, associated with an increased risk of health problems, such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and inflammation.

3. Correlation to Body Fat Percentage:

WHR is a measure of body fat distribution and is correlated with body fat percentage, making it a tool for tracking changes in body composition.

4. Easy to measure:

The waist-to-hip ratio can be easily measured with tape, making it a simple and inexpensive way to assess body fat distribution.

Overall, the waist-hip ratio is an important indicator of health risk and body fat distribution and can be a useful tool for monitoring changes in body composition over time.

Lesser known Facts about Waist Hip Ratio

1. The waist-hip ratio is a more accurate predictor of mortality risk. A systematic review by the School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China observed that Myocardial infarction (it is linked with mortality) is associated with an increased waist-hip-ratio, with a stronger link among women.

2. The ideal waist-hip ratio varies by ethnicity.

3. The waist-hip ratio may be influenced by genetics. A study published by the International Journal of Obesity stated both genetics and environment influence the waist-hip ratio and waist circumference, irrespective of BMI in males and females.

4. A cross-sectional study by the medical journal ‘Armed Forces India’ found a strong link between visceral fat and waist-hip ratio. WHR is an inexpensive, easy-to-measure, and handy method to measure visceral fat.

5. A study conducted at the Department of Ethology, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico published by the NCBI stated the waist-hip ratio can be affected by hormonal changes. For instance, women may experience changes in waist-hip ratio during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Menopause is also associated with changes in body fat distribution and waist-hip ratio.

How to Measure Waist Hip Ratio

Follow these steps to measure your waist-hip ratio.

1. Stand up straight and breathe normally.

2. Measure your waist circumference at its narrowest point, usually just above the navel. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight against your skin and is parallel to the ground.

3. Measure your hip circumference at its widest point, usually around the buttocks. Again, make sure the tape is snug but not tight against your skin and is parallel to the ground.

4. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement to get your waist-hip ratio.

The formula for calculating the waist-hip ratio is:

WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference

For example, if your waist measurement is 30 inches and your hip measurement is 40 inches, your waist-hip ratio would be 0.75 (30 ÷ 40 = 0.75).

For accurate results, measure your waist and hip circumferences correctly and use the same units of measurement (e.g., inches or centimetres) for both. Measure your waist-hip ratio multiple times over time and take an average for a more accurate assessment of your body fat distribution.

How does the waist-to-hip ratio calculator work?

It is very easy-to-use a Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator.

1. Choose your Gender (Male or Female)

2. Choose your preferred unit of measurement, either centimetres or inches. 

3. Enter your waist and hip circumferences.

4. Click on ‘Calculate Waist-Hip ratio’- you should be able to see your waist-hip ratio.