From the Guidelines
Normal waist-hip ratios for men and women are 0.9 or less and 0.85 or less, respectively, as these values minimize health risks associated with abdominal fat distribution. These ratios are calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference, both measured in the same unit, and are used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The waist-hip ratio is a simple and effective way to track changes in body fat distribution and potential health risks over time.
- Men tend to store fat in the abdominal region, while women typically store fat in the hips and thighs, resulting in different healthy waist-hip ratios for each gender.
- A higher waist-hip ratio indicates more abdominal fat, which is associated with increased risk of various health conditions.
- Regular monitoring of waist-hip ratio can help identify potential health risks and inform lifestyle changes to reduce these risks.
Measurement and Calculation
- To measure waist-hip ratio, place a tape measure around the waist at the narrowest point (usually at the navel) and around the hips at their widest point (around the buttocks).
- The ratio is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference, and the result is compared to the healthy threshold values for men and women.
- Studies have shown that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist-hip ratio, is a stronger predictor of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI) 1.
Health Implications
- A waist-hip ratio above the healthy threshold values is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
- Regular monitoring of waist-hip ratio and maintenance of a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of these conditions and improve overall health outcomes 1.
From the Research
Normal Waist-Hip Ratios
The normal waist-hip ratios in men and women are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some studies provide information on waist circumference and hip circumference that can be used to calculate the waist-hip ratio.
Waist Circumference and Hip Circumference
- A study published in 2008 2 found that the optimal cutoff points for waist circumference were 89.8cm for men and 82.3cm for women in a Japanese population.
- Another study published in 2020 3 discussed the limitations of using the waist-hip ratio as a health indicator, but did not provide specific values for normal waist-hip ratios.
- A study published in 2014 4 found that self-measured waist circumference was overestimated by 5.98 ± 4.82 cm on average, which could affect the calculation of waist-hip ratios.
Calculation of Waist-Hip Ratio
To calculate the waist-hip ratio, waist circumference is divided by hip circumference. However, none of the provided studies give specific values for normal hip circumferences.
Limitations
- The provided studies do not give explicit values for normal waist-hip ratios in men and women.
- The studies focus on the relationship between waist circumference, hip circumference, and health outcomes, rather than providing specific guidelines for normal waist-hip ratios.
- More research is needed to establish clear guidelines for normal waist-hip ratios in different populations.