Male and Female Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/10/11 - Updated: 2024/03/07
Publication Type: Conversion / Calculation
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Waist to hip ratio calculator including information on ideal waist-hip ratio measurements for women and men. Your hip circumference should be measured around the widest portion of the buttocks, with the tape parallel to the floor.
Introduction
Waist-hip ratio or Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It is calculated by measuring the smallest circumference of the natural waist, usually just above the belly button, and dividing by the hip circumference at its widest part of the buttocks or hip. (How To Measure Your Waist Circumference Properly) The ratio is applied both to women and men.
Main Item
Waist-hip ratio is used as a measurement of obesity, which in turn is a possible indicator of other more serious health conditions. Studies have found that waist circumference, not WHR, to be a good indicator of cardiovascular risk factors, body fat distribution, and hypertension in type 2 diabetes.
According to the World Health Organization's data gathering protocol, the waist circumference should be measured at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, using a stretch resistant tape that provides a constant 100g tension.
Hip circumference should be measured around the widest portion of the buttocks, with the tape parallel to the floor. Other organizations may use slightly different standards.
- A WHR of 0.7 for women and 0.9 for men have been shown to correlate strongly with general health and fertility.
- Men with WHRs around 0.9, similarly, have been shown to be more healthy and fertile with less prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
- Women within the 0.7 range have optimal levels of estrogen and are less susceptible to major diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and ovarian cancers.
WHR has been found to be a more efficient predictor of mortality in seniors than waist circumference or body mass index (BMI).
If obesity is redefined using WHR instead of BMI, the proportion of people categorized as at risk of heart attack worldwide increases threefold. The body fat percentage is considered to be an even more accurate measure of relative weight. Of these three measurements, only the waist-hip ratio takes account of the differences in body structure. Hence, it is possible for two women to have vastly different body mass indices but the same waist-hip ratio, or to have the same body mass index but vastly different waist-hip ratios.
To determine if you have a healthy waist to hip ratio, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. Then measure your waist at the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button. To determine the ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, or use the Waist-hip ratio calculator below.
This calculator provides a useful measure of fat distribution by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference to determine your waist-to-hip ratio.
The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that:
- Women with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 0.8 are at increased health risk because of their fat distribution.
- Men with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1.0 are at increased health risk because of their fat distribution.
Having an apple shape (carrying extra weight around the stomach) is riskier for your health than having a pear shape (carrying extra weight around your hips or thighs).
According to a new theory, the secret of sex appeal lies in the waist or, to be precise, the waist to hip ratio calculated by dividing the waist measurement by the hip size. The smaller the waist in relation to the hip, the more desirable a woman is seen to be. The ideal ratio in healthy pre-menopausal women ranges between 0.67 and 0.8. In terms of the tape measure, this is produced by waists between 24in and 28in with 36in hips, and waists between 27 inch - 31 inch with 40 inch hips.
Resources That Provide Relevant Related Information
- A Third of Normal Weight People Are Actually Obese
- Are You Overweight, Obese or Normal Weight for Your Height
- Is BMI an Accurate Indicator of Body Fat?
- Under-diagnosis of Obesity when Using Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Average Height to Weight Chart: Babies to Teenagers
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.