Waist to Hip Ratio

The location of fat on the body is of importance. Any excess weight, shaped as an “apple”,  is less healthy than the so-called “pear shape”. Research shows that people with “apple-shaped” bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with “pear-shaped” bodies (who carry more weight around the hips). The easiest way to see if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease and premature death is to measure waist circumference.

To determine your “Waist to Hip Ratio” (WHR), divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement.

1. Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your hips at the widest part of your buttocks.
2. Then measure your waist at the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.
3. Fill in your waist measurement and your hip measurement in the calculator below:

   
   Weigh Loss Surgery

   • Women’s Waist to Hip Ratio should not exceed 0.8
   • Men’s Waist to Hip Ratio should not exceed 1




Ratios that exceed 0.8 for women and 1.0 for men are associated with obesity and are linked to greater risk for health complications and diseases.