Waist-to-hip ratio

Waist-to-hip ratio
The waist-to-hip ratio measurement can be used to help determine obesity. The distribution of fat is evaluated by dividing waist size by hip size. A person with a 30-inch waist and 40-inch hips would have a ratio of .75; one with a 41-inch waist and 39-inch hips would have a ratio of 1.05. The higher the ratio, the higher the risk of heart disease and other obesity-related disorders.
Review Date: 8/13/1999
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
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