What

Your waist to hip ratio (WHR) estimates the fat distribution in your body, especially visceral fat which can affect your overall health and metabolic function.

Why

Relative excess fat around your waist appears to increase your risk of developing one or more chronic diseases or conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

One way you can assess your weight-related risk is by measuring your WHR.

WHR is a superior metric than BMI for assessing cardiovascular risk. Although a DEXA scan is the gold standard, WHR is an excellent starting measurement.

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HOW

What you need: Soft, flexible, measuring tape

1. Waist circumference: Stand up straight and breathe out. Use a tape measure to check the distance around the smallest part of your waist, usually just above your belly button but below your rib cage. If your body does not have an obvious place, just measure your belly button - a set reference marker for future measurements.

2. Hip circumference: Measure the distance around the largest part of your hips—the widest part of your buttocks.

3. Calculate: Add these measurements to the Result Column your Healthspan Physical Assessment sheet and your percentage will be calculated

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNllQPC0WsM

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Reference ranges

For healthspan goals, we work on optimum reference ranges.

• References