Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Apple, Pear and Your Health
Where you carry fat influences disease risk. Learn how to measure and interpret the ratio.
How to measure
Measure your waist at the narrowest point or at the navel, and hips at the widest point, standing relaxed. Divide waist by hip.
What the numbers mean
The WHO flags abdominal obesity when the ratio exceeds 0.90 in men or 0.85 in women. Higher ratios are associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Changing your shape
You cannot spot-reduce fat, but overall fat loss, exercise and less alcohol usually reduce waist size first.
Try it: Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Waist-hip ratio0.87
WHO threshold0.90
RiskLower
Your ratio is below the WHO threshold for abdominal obesity.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.