WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) — what the term means

The ratio of waist to hip circumference

WHR — measuring waist and hip circumference with a tape

WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) is the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference. A simple measure that reflects the pattern of fat distribution.

It matters more than it seems: belly (abdominal) fat is far more dangerous for the heart and metabolism than fat on the hips. WHR captures exactly this — and so, in risk assessment, it is often more informative than BMI.

Reference ranges

Normal WHR by WHO criteria:

Men	up to 0.90
Women	up to 0.85
Above normal	abdominal obesity, increased risk

Important: The higher the WHR, the more "visceral" fat around the organs and the higher the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease — even at a normal weight (the "skinny-fat" phenomenon).

What an elevated level means

A high WHR means fat is deposited mainly on the belly — around the internal organs. This visceral fat is metabolically active and linked to inflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk.

Causes: excess weight, inactivity, excess sugar, stress and high cortisol, a decline in sex hormones with age.

The good news: visceral fat is the first to go with movement and proper nutrition.

What a low level means

A low WHR (a narrow waist relative to the hips) is a favorable sign: less visceral fat and lower metabolic risk. It is practically never "too low".

How the test is done

With a tape measure, measure the waist (at its narrowest point or at the navel level) and the hips (at the widest point of the buttocks), standing relaxed and not sucking in the stomach. Divide the waist by the hips.

Easier still — use our WHR calculator: enter the two circumferences and get an assessment right away.

What affects the value

Visceral fat — the main factor behind a high WHR.
Movement — reduces belly fat first.
Sugar and refined carbs — promote abdominal fat.
Stress — high cortisol redistributes fat toward the belly.
Age and hormones — the waist usually grows with age.

Calculate using this marker

Calculators where WHR (Waist-to-hip ratio) is used directly:

Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) Your fat distribution, body shape, and cardiometabolic risk Open Waist-to-Height Ratio (WtHR) Abdominal fat and cardiometabolic risk from your waist-to-height ratio Open Body Fat Your body fat percentage and the norms for your sex and age Open

Frequently asked questions

What matters more — WHR or BMI?

They complement each other. BMI assesses total weight relative to height, but does not distinguish muscle from fat and does not see where the fat lies. WHR shows the pattern of fat distribution — and for heart and metabolic risk it is often more informative, especially at a normal BMI.

What WHR is considered normal?

By WHO criteria — up to 0.90 in men and up to 0.85 in women. Above these values, abdominal obesity and increased metabolic risk are indicated.

How do I measure WHR correctly?

Measure the waist at its narrowest point and the hips at the widest point, standing relaxed and not sucking in the stomach, then divide one by the other. Or simply enter the circumferences into our WHR calculator.

Sources

info

This content is educational and does not replace consultation with a physician. Reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and method — rely on the ranges stated on your own test report.

← All glossary terms