Waist Hip Ratio Formula:
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Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It's used as an indicator of health risk associated with abdominal obesity and overall body fat distribution.
The calculator uses the WHR formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio provides insight into fat distribution, with higher values indicating more abdominal fat which is associated with increased health risks.
Details: WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular health risks than BMI alone. It helps identify abdominal obesity which is linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Tips: Measure your waist at the narrowest point between your ribs and hips, and your hips at the widest point around your buttocks. Enter both measurements in centimeters for accurate results.
Q1: What is a healthy WHR range?
A: For women, a WHR below 0.85 is considered healthy. For men, a WHR below 0.90 is considered healthy.
Q2: How is WHR different from BMI?
A: BMI measures overall body weight relative to height, while WHR specifically measures fat distribution, particularly abdominal fat which is more strongly linked to health risks.
Q3: When should I measure my waist and hip?
A: For consistent results, measure in the morning before eating or drinking, and use a flexible measuring tape directly against your skin.
Q4: Are there limitations to WHR measurement?
A: WHR may be less accurate for individuals with certain body types, pregnant women, or those with medical conditions that affect body shape.
Q5: Can WHR change with exercise?
A: Yes, regular exercise, particularly core strengthening and overall weight loss, can reduce your WHR by decreasing abdominal fat.