The waist-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of body shape that compares the circumference of the waist to the hips.

It is used as a predictor of health risk, as a higher waist-hip ratio has been associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Measuring the waist-hip ratio can be a useful tool in assessing overall health and guiding efforts to reduce health risks associated with an unhealthy body shape.

‍

Risk Categories

‍

Details

Data Type

• Health Indicator

Scans Required

• BodyScan

Source

• World Health Organization. (2011). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008.

• Lear, S. A., James, P. T., Ko, G. T., & Kumanyika, S. (2010). Appropriateness of waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio cut offs for different ethnic groups. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(1), 42-61.

Validation

• Individual measurements externally validated. Validated against ISAK

Predictors

• Waist circumference, Hip circumference

Risk Category

• ‍‍Low, High

Cohorts

• United States, Europids, Middle East, African, South and Central Americans South Asian, Chinese and, Japanese

Formula/Calculation

• Waist circumference/hip circumference

‍