Cardiovascular diseases: Higher WHR is linked to greater risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Type 2 diabetes: Abdominal obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance.
Hypertension: Increased abdominal fat can lead to higher blood pressure levels.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
How is WHR Measured?
WHR is measured using a flexible tape measure. The waist circumference is measured at the narrowest point between the ribs and the hips, usually just above the belly button. The hip circumference is measured at the widest part of the buttocks. The WHR is then calculated by dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement.
What are the Cut-off Values for WHR?
The cut-off values for WHR differ by sex. For men, a WHR greater than 0.90 is considered high, while for women, a WHR greater than 0.85 is considered high. These thresholds indicate an increased risk of health problems related to abdominal obesity.
How Does WHR Compare to Other Measurements?
While
BMI is commonly used to assess general obesity, it does not account for fat distribution. WHR provides additional information about abdominal fat, which is more closely linked to health risks.
Waist circumference alone is also a useful measure, but WHR offers a more comprehensive assessment by considering the relative proportions of waist and hip measurements.
What are the Limitations of WHR?
Despite its usefulness, WHR has limitations. It may not be as accurate in individuals with certain body shapes or in those with significant muscle mass. Additionally, WHR does not account for other factors such as age, ethnicity, or overall health status, which can also influence health risks.
Conclusion
In epidemiology, the waist to hip ratio is a valuable metric for assessing the distribution of body fat and identifying individuals at higher risk of chronic diseases associated with abdominal obesity. While it has its limitations, WHR provides important insights that complement other measurements like BMI and waist circumference, helping to improve
public health interventions and individual risk assessments.
