Body Metrics
Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Health Risk
Why where you carry fat may matter more than how much you weigh.
6 min read·Updated 25 June 2026
HG
HealthGood Editorial Team
Last updated 25 June 2026
Reviewed by HealthGood Editorial Standards Board
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of fat distribution. WHO suggests it as a useful complement to BMI when assessing cardiometabolic risk.
WHO cut-offs
- Men: WHR above 0.90 is associated with increased risk.
- Women: WHR above 0.85 is associated with increased risk.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- World Health Organization — Body mass index (BMI). https://www.who.int
- NHS — Healthy weight and BMI. https://www.nhs.uk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. https://www.cdc.gov
- Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, et al. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure. Am J Clin Nutr (1990).