What's Your Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)?

To decide if you are an Apple or a Pear, try this simple waist-to-hip measurement.

1.  Measure your waist at the smallest part. Waist = inches.

2.  Measure your hips at their widest. Hips = inches.

3.  Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. WHR =

4.  Assess your health risk.

Lower Risk = WHR less than 0.8 for women. = WHR less than 1.0 for men.

Higher Risk = WHR greater than 0.8 for women. = WHR greater than 1.0 for men.

The Waist/Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measure of trunk fatness. It is a good indicator of weight as a risk factor for diseases such as heart disease. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is another measure for assessing overall weight and risk to health. The BMI measures weight in relation to height. If you are concerned about your WHR, contact your local public health department to find out more about healthy weights and the BMI.