Waist-to-hip ratio: cardiovascular risk from fat distribution
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) relates waist circumference to hip circumference. It is an indicator of body fat distribution type and is directly related to cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
How to measure correctly
Waist: measure at the end of a normal exhale, at the navel level or at the narrowest point of the abdomen. Hip: measure at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. Divide waist by hip to get the index.
Reference values
- Men: low risk <0.90; moderate risk 0.90–0.99; high risk ≥1.00.
- Women: low risk <0.80; moderate risk 0.80–0.84; high risk ≥0.85.
WHR vs. waist circumference alone
The WHO considers that waist circumference alone (>102 cm in men, >88 cm in women) can be equally or more predictive of cardiometabolic risk than WHR, as visceral abdominal fat is the most dangerous regardless of hip size.