Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple, widely used measurement to determine a person’s body shape and their risk of developing certain health problems. The ratio is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. It is considered a better indicator of overall health than body mass index (BMI) because it takes into account the distribution of body fat.

WHR is important because research has shown that people with higher waist-to-hip ratios are at greater risk of developing certain health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. The reason for this is that abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, is more metabolically active than fat in other areas of the body and is more strongly associated with health risks.

A healthy waist-to-hip ratio for women is typically considered to be 0.8 or lower, while for men it is considered to be 0.9 or lower. However, it is important to note that WHR is just one of many factors that contribute to overall health and well-being, and should not be used in isolation to determine a person’s health status. Other factors, such as overall body weight, physical activity levels, and diet, also play a significant role.