Waist-Hip Ratio

3min

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Data Type
Health Indicator
Scans Required
BodyScan
Source
World Health Organization. (2011). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008.

Lear, S. A., James, P. T., Ko, G. T., & Kumanyika, S. (2010).Appropriateness of waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio cutoffs for different ethnic groups. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(1), 42-61.
Validation
Individual measurements externally validated. Validated against ISAK
Predictors
Waist circumference, Hip circumference
Risk Category
Low, High
Cohorts
United States, Europids, Middle East, African, South and Central Americans
South Asian, Chinese, Japanese
Formula/Calculation
waist circumference/hip circumference.
Strengths/Weaknesses


Notes


About

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.
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 size 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, African, South and Central Americans
Risk
Males
Females
LOW
< 0.90
< 0.85
HIGH
≥ 0.90
≥ 0.85
﻿
South Asian, Chinese, Japanese
Risk
Males
Females
LOW
< 0.90 
< 0.80 
HIGH
≥ 0.90 
≥ 0.80 
﻿

Data Type	Health Indicator
Scans Required	BodyScan
Source	World Health Organization. (2011). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008. Lear, S. A., James, P. T., Ko, G. T., & Kumanyika, S. (2010).Appropriateness of waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio cutoffs for different ethnic groups. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(1), 42-61.
Validation	Individual measurements externally validated. Validated against ISAK
Predictors	Waist circumference, Hip circumference
Risk Category	Low, High
Cohorts	United States, Europids, Middle East, African, South and Central Americans South Asian, Chinese, Japanese
Formula/Calculation	waist circumference/hip circumference.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Notes

Risk	Males	Females
LOW	< 0.90	< 0.85
HIGH	≥ 0.90	≥ 0.85

Risk	Males	Females
LOW	< 0.90	< 0.80
HIGH	≥ 0.90	≥ 0.80

Updated 25 Mar 2024

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