Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist ÷ hip ratio; >0.9 (men) / >0.85 (women) indicates central obesity risk.
How it works
WHR = waist(cm) ÷ hip(cm)
WHR reflects fat distribution; central (apple-shaped) obesity carries higher cardiovascular risk. >0.9 in men / >0.85 in women is high risk.
FAQ
What WHR is high risk?
Above 0.9 for men or 0.85 for women signals central obesity and higher chronic-disease risk.
Worked example
Waist 85 cm, hips 100 cm: WHR = 85 ÷ 100 = 0.85.
For men 0.85 is below the 0.90 threshold (normal); for women the same value sits right at the 0.85 flag, so check waist and body fat as well.
Notes and limitations
Measure the waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest, reading at the end of a normal exhale; hips at the widest point. WHR reflects fat distribution, does not replace body-fat percentage, and is not suitable during pregnancy.