Why is waist to hip ratio a more accurate measure of obesity?
Why is waist to hip ratio a more accurate measure of obesity?
The waist-to-hip ratio is helpful because in smaller people waist circumference alone may underestimate risk. By comparing waist circumference to hip circumference, you can get a better indication of abdominal obesity.
What waist circumference is obese?
Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference, and Associated Disease Risks
| Disease Risk* Relative to Normal Weight and Waist Circumference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 18.5–24.9 | – |
| Overweight | 25.0–29.9 | Increased |
| Obesity | 30.0–34.9 | High |
| 35.0–39.9 | Very High |
What is an acceptable waist to hip ratio?
Even if your BMI is within a moderate range, your risk of disease may be increased. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a moderate WHR is: 0.9 or less in men. 0.85 or less for women.
How is waist to hip ratio related to central obesity?
The waist to hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of central obesity. The score from the WHR predicts the risk of developing several conditions associated with excess abdominal fat. All you need to measure your WHR is a measuring tape.
Can waist circumference really gauge your body visceral fat levels?
WC is a better index of assessing visceral fat compared to WHR and more closely correlated with visceral fat measured by the computed tomographic scan. It is a better predictor of adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes of obesity compared to BMI.
Is waist to hip ratio important?
Your waist-to-hip ratio compares your waist measurement to your hip measurement. Higher ratios can mean you have more fat around your waist. This can lead to a higher risk for heart disease or diabetes.
What waist size is unhealthy?
What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is ‘low risk’, 94–102cm (37-40in) is ‘high risk’ and more than 102cm (40in) is ‘very high’. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.
Should waist be smaller than hips?
Your waist-to-hip ratio might give you a better picture of your health than your weight or your BMI. You can be at a healthy weight but have too much fat around your midsection. A good rule of thumb is that your waist should be smaller than your hips, no matter your weight or BMI.
Is BMI or waist measurement more accurate?
In current clinical practice, it is common to calculate BMI for an indication of whole-body fat and waist circumference for abdominal obesity. “Our research has shown that WHtR is a more accurate alternative to these two measures and also a more time-efficient measure.
Is 90cm waist big?
For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is ‘low risk’, 94–102cm (37-40in) is ‘high risk’ and more than 102cm (40in) is ‘very high’. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.
How do you measure Hip to waist ratio?
How to Measure Your Waist to Hip Ratio
- Measure at the smallest point. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at the smallest point, usually around your belly button.
- Measure your hips. Next, wrap the tape measure around your hips at the widest part.
- Divide.
- Record your ratio.
How do you calculate waist to hip ratio?
Waist to hip ratio is calculated by measuring the circumference of an individual’s waist and dividing it by the circumference of the individual’s hips. To measure the waist, you will need a tape measure or some sort of measuring device. While standing in a relaxed position, take the waist measurement at the smallest portion of the natural waist.
What is the best waist to hip ratio?
In women, the ratio should be 0.8 or less, and in men, it should be 1.0 or less. (This means that in women the waist should be narrower than the hips, and in men, the waist should be narrower or the same as the hips.) The waist-to-hip ratio is helpful because in smaller people waist circumference alone may underestimate risk.
What is the ratio of hips to waist?
The Waist-hip ratio or waist-to-hip ratio ( WHR ) is the dimensionless ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. This is calculated as waist measurement divided by hip measurement (W ÷ H). For example, a person with a 30″ (76 cm) waist and 38″ (97 cm) hips has a waist-hip ratio of about 0.78.
