What is waist-to-hip ratio and how does it work?
If you’re on a weight management journey or looking to improve your health, you’ve probably already checked your weight and BMI (Body Mass Index). But have you heard of your WHR — your waist-to-hip ratio?
Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and health experts in Pakistan shows that WHR can be a better indicator of your health than BMI alone. It helps identify your risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, which are increasingly common locally.
Your waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement, both taken in the same unit (inches or centimetres). For example, if your waist is 36 inches and your hips are 40 inches, your WHR is 0.9. This simple measure helps assess how your body stores fat — especially around the abdomen — and what that means for your overall health.
How to measure your waist and hips:
Waist: Measure the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips (just above your belly button).
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
Next step: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, or enter both in the calculator to find your WHR.
According to WHO guidelines, a WHR below 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men is considered lower risk. Higher values indicate greater risk for metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
Understanding your WHR gives you a clearer picture of your body composition and helps you make more informed choices about your fitness, nutrition, and long-term wellbeing.
