WHR

Definition

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measure of body fat distribution. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. WHR is an indicator of health risk related to obesity, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
2. A WHR greater than 0.90 in men and 0.85 in women indicates higher health risks.
3. It is considered more accurate than BMI for determining fat distribution, especially visceral fat.
4. Regular monitoring of WHR can help in early detection of metabolic syndrome and other related conditions.
5. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can effectively reduce WHR.

Review Questions

• What does WHR stand for and how is it calculated?
• Why is WHR considered a better indicator of health risks compared to BMI?
• What are the threshold values of WHR that indicate higher health risks for men and women?

Related terms

Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Visceral Fat: Fat stored within the abdominal cavity around vital organs.

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.