Here is a fantastic article, Emily Wynne, a recent Pepperdine University, Kinesiology, grad contributed to our blog…

What is waist to hip ratio?
Waist-hip ratio or Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It is calculated by measuring the smaller circumference of the natural waist, usually just above the belly button, and dividing by the hip circumference at its widest part of the buttocks or hip.
How are the numbers created?
The waist to hip ratio is calculated by measuring the circumference of the waist and dividing it by the circumference of the hips. The resulting value is looked up in a reference table, like the one following, to determine risk.

Why is this measurement important?
The WHR has been used as an indicator or measure of the health of a person, and the risk of developing serious health conditions. Research shows that people with “apple-shaped” bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with “pear-shaped” bodies who carry more weight around the hips.
Optimal WHR for women is 0.7. The optimal ratio for men is 0.9.
High WHR, in individuals 18 years of age and older, are associated with cardiovascular risks, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes. Although it may be difficult to change your genetically predisposed body shape,  you can shrink your waistline through regular exercise and consuming a healthy diet.

For more information on WHR visit the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.

Tags: android obesity, cardiac risk, diabetes, emily wynne, heart disease, obesity, waist to hip ratio, WHR

This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 10:56 am and is filed under corporate wellness, fitness, prevention. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.