What does the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) help determine?

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a crucial measurement in assessing overall health risks, particularly concerning cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions. This ratio compares the circumference of the waist to that of the hips, highlighting where body fat is distributed. A higher WHR can indicate a higher concentration of visceral fat, which is fat stored around the organs in the abdominal cavity. This type of fat is more closely associated with an increased risk of health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

By examining WHR, health professionals can gain insight into the fat distribution patterns of an individual rather than just their weight or body fat percentage. This is significant because two individuals may have the same body mass index (BMI), but differing WHR values could indicate different health risk profiles based on fat distribution.

While body mass index primarily assesses weight relative to height, and body fat percentage provides insights into overall fat in the body, neither specifically addresses the health risks associated with where fat is located. Muscle mass measurement also does not factor into WHR, as it is concerned solely with body fat distribution. Therefore, WHR is a valuable tool for identifying individuals at increased risk due to their body shape and fat distribution.