Waist & Hip Ratio
Hip and waist measurements help to assess the relative distribution of fat in the abdominal region vs that of the hips and thigh. The Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a useful determinant of risk.
WHR = Waist measurement / Hip measurement
| Body Shape | Health Risk |
|---|---|
| Apple – WHR above 0.8 for women, above 0.9 for men
If you have an “apple-shaped” body habitus, your waist size is larger than your hip size. |
Most of the fat in an apple-shaped person is distributed around the internal organs in the abdomen area. This can be associated with a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. |
| Pear – WHR below 0.8 for women, below 0.9 for men
If you are a pear type, your hip section is likely to be wider than your upper body, with most of the fat deposited around your thighs, hips and buttocks region. |
Having a pear body shape indicates a lower metabolic risk compared to an apple body shape. |