Check waist-to-hip ratio and central fat risk using WHO adult thresholds.
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. For measurement guidance and clinical interpretation, review WHO and NHS resources and speak with a qualified clinician before making health decisions.
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to your hips, giving a quick picture of how your body stores fat. It matters because where you carry fat is often more important for health than how much you carry overall. Fat stored around the abdomen — known as visceral fat — wraps around internal organs and is strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Two people can share the same BMI yet have very different WHRs and therefore very different risk profiles. That is why clinicians often use WHR alongside BMI rather than relying on either alone.
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (usually just above the belly button) and your hips at their widest point, keeping the tape snug but not compressing the skin. Stand relaxed and breathe out normally — do not hold your stomach in. Then divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement.
The World Health Organization links higher health risk to a ratio above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. A lower ratio suggests a "pear" shape, with more fat on the hips and thighs, which carries less metabolic risk than an "apple" shape that concentrates fat around the middle. Track the trend over months rather than fixating on a single reading, and pair it with waist size and blood markers for the fullest picture.
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement (both in the same units). For example a 32-inch waist and 40-inch hips gives a ratio of 0.80.
The World Health Organization links higher risk to a ratio above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Lower ratios indicate more fat carried on the hips rather than the abdomen.
It reflects where you store fat, not just how much. Abdominal (visceral) fat is more strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, so WHR can flag risk that BMI alone misses.
Measure the waist at the narrowest point (or at the navel) and the hips at the widest point of the buttocks, standing relaxed with the tape snug but not compressing the skin.