Where you store fat matters as much as how much you carry. Waist-to-hip ratio is a fast, tape-measure health check that highlights risky abdominal fat.
Why fat distribution matters
Visceral fat around the organs is metabolically active and strongly tied to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A higher waist relative to hips signals more of this fat — which is why WHR carries independent predictive value.
Interpreting your number
Risk thresholds differ by sex. Use the category as a prompt: an elevated ratio is a cue to prioritise fat loss and activity, and to discuss your broader risk profile with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
For men, below 0.90 is low-risk; for women, below 0.80. Ratios above ~1.0 (men) or ~0.85 (women) indicate higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
For predicting heart-disease risk, WHR can outperform BMI because it captures fat distribution — abdominal fat is more harmful than fat on the hips and thighs.
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (usually the navel) and your hips at the widest point of the buttocks, keeping the tape level and snug while relaxed.