What is the significance of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)?

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is significant because it provides important insights into body fat distribution and is a useful indicator of potential health risks related to obesity, particularly cardiovascular diseases. WHR is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by that of the hips. A higher ratio suggests that a greater proportion of body fat is located in the abdominal area rather than the hips, which has been associated with an increased risk of health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes.

In contrast, measuring overall body weight may not distinguish between fat and lean mass, and is therefore less informative regarding health risks. Similarly, while muscle mass is important, WHR does not specifically quantify muscular development, and hydration levels are not assessed through this ratio. Thus, WHR focuses primarily on where fat is stored in the body, making it a valuable measurement for evaluating health risks related to fat distribution.