Waist-to-Hip Ratio (Advanced) Formula

Understand the math behind the waist-to-hip ratio (advanced). Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

whr = waist_inches / hip_inches

Waist-to-Height Ratio

whtr = waist_inches / height_inches

Waist

waist_cm = waist_inches * 2.54

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
waist_inchesWaist Circumference(inches)36
hip_inchesHip Circumference(inches)40
height_inchesHeight(inches)70

How It Works

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

WHR = Waist / Hip

Risk Levels (Male)

| WHR | Risk | |---|---| | <0.90 | Low risk | | 0.90-0.99 | Moderate risk | | >1.00 | High risk |

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)

WHtR = Waist / Height

A WHtR above 0.5 indicates increased health risk regardless of BMI. This metric is gaining recognition as a simple and effective health screening tool.

Worked Example

A male: waist 36 inches, hips 40 inches, height 70 inches.

waist_inches = 36hip_inches = 40height_inches = 70
  1. 01WHR = 36 / 40 = 0.900 (Low to moderate risk boundary)
  2. 02WHtR = 36 / 70 = 0.514 (Slightly above 0.5 threshold)
  3. 03Waist = 91.4 cm

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