What is WHR?

WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist and the circumference of the hips.

How is WHR used?

WHR is an indicator of body fat distribution and for this reason is used as a measure of an individual's health. People store their body fat in two distinct ways: around their middle (apple-type obesity) and around their hips (pear-type obesity). People with more fatty tissue around their waist are at greater risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other lifestyle related diseases than those with more fatty tissue around their hips. The human body does not convert this lower body fat as readily as abdominal fat, which keeps cholesterol down.

It is very important to remember that WHR is only one factor related to risk of the diseases mentioned below and should be considered with other health predictors and risk factors.

What are the health consequences of overweight and obesity?

Overweight and obesity are both known to reduce life expectancy and to increase risk for many diseases. For more information visit the page devoted to BMI.

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