Waist to Hip Ratio: Why it matters...

So today I learned what waist to hip ratio is.  Let me share... Our health risks are not based solely on how much fat we have.  It is also based on where most of that fat is located.  People that have more weight around their waist is at at greater risk of heart disease and diabetes than those packing on the pounds around the hips.

Several studies have also shown that as we (women) age and get closer to menopause our fat suddenly starts to migrate upward to our midsections. So ladies, if you don't start working out those thunder thighs you may soon find all that fat popping a cork in that belly button of yours.

How to Calculate Waist Hip Ratio

Waist Hip Ratio is calculated by dividing the measurement of your waist by the measurement of your hips.

How to Get Your Waist and Hip Measurements

Use a measuring tape to take your waist and hip measurement. If you do not have a measuring tape available, use a long piece of string instead and then measure the length of the string against a flat ruler.

Stand in a relaxed position breathing normally when you take the measurement. Do not pull tightly on the measuring tape or string.

Waist: Your waist measurement should be taken at the smaller section of your natural waist, usually located just above the belly button.
Hips: Your hip measurement should be taken at the your hips on the widest part of your buttocks.

So let me tell you where I am.  My waist circumference is 37 inches.  My hip circumference is 43.5 inches.  This puts me at a waist to hip ratio of 0.85.  I am considered to be at Moderate Risk.

The calculation is as follows:  waist (37) / hips (43.5) = 85

Waist to hip ratio chart:
Male: 0.95 or below= low risk.   0.96 to 1.0= moderate risk.     1.0+= high risk
Female: 0.80 or below= low risk     0.81 to 0.85= moderate risk.    0.85+= high risk