Although the Body-Mass Index (BMI) is the most popular measurement for health, the waist-to-hip ratio is the assessment of health that you should be using. Medical professionals have determined that people that carry more of their weight in the waist (apple-shape) compared to people that carry more weight in their hips (pear-shaped) are at an increased risk of health complications.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Health Chart
A healthy waist-to-hip ratio is 0.9 or less in men and 0.85 or less in women according to the World Health Organization.
How to Calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist-to-Hip measures the distribution of fat by measuring the ratio of the waist circumference to the circumference of the hips. Calculate it by using the steps below.
Step 1: Without holding your breath, measure the circumference of your waist in inches (right above the belly button).
Step 2: Measure your hip circumference in inches at the widest part of your hips.
Step 3: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement (W ÷ H) to get your waist-to-hip ratio. (Example: Someone with a 33-inch waist and a 48-inch waist has a waist-to-hip ratio of 68.75%)
