Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist-to-Hip Ratio is calculated by taking your waist circumference and dividing it by your hip circumference.(Note: You may sometimes hear body shapes referred to as "apples" and "pears." These two descriptors are based on waist-to-hip ratio.)
To calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, you will need a tape measure. You should measure your waist at its narrowest point and your hips at their widest point (see illustration at right). Then, divide your results from your waist by the results of your hips. The resulting number is your waist-to-hip ratio.
Waist-to-hip ratio is used to assess risk for heart disease and hypertension in particular. Research has shown that waist-to-hip ratio is even better for determining risk of heart problems than Body Mass Index.
Those who are considered "apples" (fat accumulated around the belly) are at a much higher risk for heart disease and hypertension than those who carry their weight in the hips or thighs. This is a particularly risky characteristic for women.
What Does it Mean?
High cardivascular risk for women is found with ratios higher than 0.85 and 0.90 for men. As the ratio increases, so does the risk.
