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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator (WHR)

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and associated cardiovascular risk according to WHO parameters.

Sources: WHO — Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio Report (2008) · NIH — Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk

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How to Calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple but powerful indicator for assessing body fat distribution and associated cardiovascular risk. WHO recommends it as a complement to BMI.

The Formula

WHR = Waist circumference (cm) / Hip circumference (cm)

For example, waist 85 cm and hips 100 cm: WHR = 85 / 100 = 0.85.

WHO Reference Values

Men: < 0.90 low risk, 0.90-0.99 moderate risk, >= 1.00 high risk

Women: < 0.80 low risk, 0.80-0.84 moderate risk, >= 0.85 high risk

Why Abdominal Fat Is Dangerous

Fat that accumulates around the waist (visceral fat) surrounds internal organs and is metabolically active: it releases inflammatory substances and alters sugar and fat metabolism. This explains why people with an "apple shape" (abdominal fat) have higher cardiovascular risk than those with a "pear shape" (hip and thigh fat).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)?▼
WHR is an indicator of body fat distribution. It is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference. A high value indicates abdominal fat accumulation ("apple shape"), associated with greater cardiovascular risk compared to hip/thigh accumulation ("pear shape").
What are normal WHR values?▼
According to WHO, cardiovascular risk thresholds are: for men WHR >= 0.90 indicates increased risk, for women WHR >= 0.85. Values below these thresholds are considered low risk.
Is WHR better than BMI for assessing risk?▼
WHR and BMI are complementary. BMI indicates if total weight is adequate but does not distinguish where fat accumulates. WHR reveals fat distribution: abdominal (visceral) fat is metabolically more active and dangerous than hip/thigh fat. Studies like INTERHEART have shown that WHR is a better predictor of heart attack than BMI.