How Important is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hip. The proportion of fat stored in the abdominal area to that stored in the hip region is an important indicator of the risk for a number of conditions. These conditions include major health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. A high WHR increases the chances of acquiring these conditions.
Research has shown that abdominal or truncal obesity is a risk to the health and life of individuals independent of excessive fat deposits in other parts of the body such as hips, thighs, triceps, and fat surrounding internal organs. As far as the WHR is concerned it has been observed that "apple" shaped individuals with greater amount of fat deposited at the waist are at greater risk than "pear" shaped individuals who have more fat deposited in the hip and thigh region.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Obesity-related health conditions
Carrying excessive body weight is unhealthy; however, recent studies suggest that the distribution of that weight is highly significant in determining susceptibility to obesity-related conditions. Thus, WHR has acquired particular significance as an additional measure along with BMI to understand obesity-related health conditions. An advantage with WHR is that it considers body shape and lower trunk adiposity as well when assessing obesity-related risks.
Apart from the relation between abdominal obesity and health issues, there is evidence that points to increased risk of death from conditions such as cancer and heart disease because of a high waist-to-hip ratio. With women, the risks associated with a large waist are serious and include premature demise from heart attacks. The risk of mortality and diseases because of a high WHR is independent of the Body Mass Index (BMI). Individuals who may consider themselves as having a healthy weight based on their BMI score could actually be at a risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The level of this risk is made apparent with the help of a WHR reading. Based on data gathered over the decades, researchers concur that a WHR values of 0.8 for women and 0.95 for men are the upper limit. Values above this increase the risk to the heart.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio differ in the context of waist circumference
WHR should be considered in combination with the absolute waist circumference (WC). This is because it is possible for a lean person with small waist and hips to have the same WHR as an obese person with a much larger waist and greater fat deposits in the hip and thigh region. Relying solely on WHR may not give a clear picture if there is no information on the reason for the high waist-to-hip ratio. Is it because of high waist circumference or low hip circumference? Treatment procedures depend upon correct interpretation of data. Taking waist circumference into consideration enables medical practitioners to get a better understanding of the risks accompanying the degree of abdominal obesity. An increase in waist circumference when it corresponds to an increase in belly fat is what increases the chance of developing insulin resistance and consequently Type 2 diabetes.
