What the Ratio Tells You

Waist-to-hip ratio is a marker of central obesity — fat stored around the abdomen. Central fat is metabolically active and strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, independent of total body weight.

WHO Classification

The World Health Organization defines a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as substantially increased health risk. Ratios below these thresholds are classified as low risk. Measure at the narrowest waist point and the widest hip point, breathing normally.

Improving Your Ratio

Abdominal fat responds well to a caloric deficit combined with resistance and aerobic training. Hip circumference can be increased with glute-focused strength work. Monitoring WHR alongside waist circumference alone gives a fuller picture of metabolic health than either metric by itself.