What are the risk indicators for waist-hip ratio?
Summary
The waist-to-hip ratio is the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (measured horizontally at the largest circumference of the buttocks).
The waist-to-hip ratio is the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (measured horizontally at the largest circumference of the buttocks). Waist to hip ratio is a measure of fat distribution and abdominal fat.
The waist-to-hip ratio is used to measure risks of chronic disease and mortality. A larger waist-to-hip ratio indicates preferential fat storage around the waist in the form of visceral adipose tissue, which can be associated with increased disease and mortality risk.
Waist and hip circumference sizes are influenced by our genetics and lifestyle. Conscious and positive changes to diet and exercise can reduce our waist circumference and abdominal fat.
United States, Europids, Middle East, Africa, South and Central Americans
Males
- Low Risk: < 0.90
- High Risk: ≥ 0.90
Females
- Low Risk: < 0.85
- High Risk: ≥ 0.85
South Asian, Chinese, and Japanese
Males
- Low Risk: < 0.9
- High Risk: ≥ 0.9
Females
- Low Risk: < 0.80
- High Risk: ≥ 0.80
