Determine your body shape type and WHO cardiovascular risk level using the waist-to-hip ratio.
WHR is a general indicator of fat distribution. Risk thresholds vary by ethnicity and age. This is not a clinical assessment.
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to the circumference of your hips. It is used by the World Health Organisation as an indicator of health risk and is particularly useful for assessing fat distribution patterns — commonly described as "apple" versus "pear" body shapes.
People who carry more weight around their midsection (apple shape) face higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke compared to those who carry weight on their hips and thighs (pear shape). WHR quantifies this distribution simply and reliably.
WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually at or near the navel) and your hips at the widest point of the buttocks. Both measurements should be in the same unit.
| Risk Level | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Below 0.90 | Below 0.80 |
| Moderate risk | 0.90 – 0.99 | 0.80 – 0.84 |
| High risk | 1.00 and above | 0.85 and above |
An apple body shape (also called android or central obesity) indicates excess fat stored around the abdomen and waist. This visceral fat is metabolically active and releases inflammatory compounds that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and certain cancers.
A pear body shape (gynoid) carries fat predominantly on the hips, buttocks, and thighs. While excess fat in any location is not ideal, this distribution pattern is generally associated with lower metabolic risk than central obesity.
WHR provides a useful snapshot of fat distribution but does not measure total body fat. A person with low overall body fat will have a favourable WHR regardless of other factors. WHR thresholds also vary somewhat by ethnicity and age, and may not be appropriate for pregnant individuals. For the most comprehensive assessment, use WHR alongside WHtR, BMI, and clinical blood work.
For men, below 0.9 is low risk. For women, below 0.8 is low risk, according to WHO guidelines.
Apple shapes carry more abdominal fat (higher health risk). Pear shapes carry fat on hips and thighs (generally lower metabolic risk).
Measure at the widest point of your buttocks. Stand with feet together, wrap the tape around the fullest part, keeping it horizontal and snug but not tight.