Understanding Your Body Figure: The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple yet powerful measurement that helps assess how your body fat is distributed. It is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. The WHR is considered a better indicator of health risks associated with obesity than BMI alone, as it highlights the distribution of visceral fat (fat around your abdominal organs), which is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
How is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculated?
The formula is straightforward:
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference
Measurements should be taken in centimeters (cm) or inches (in), ensuring consistency. For accuracy:
Waist Circumference: Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, typically just above the belly button. Breathe normally and do not suck in your stomach.
Hip Circumference: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
Interpreting Your WHR Score
The interpretation of WHR varies slightly based on gender, as men and women tend to store fat differently. Generally, a higher WHR indicates a more central distribution of body fat, which is associated with increased health risks.
General Guidelines:
For Women:
WHR of 0.85 or less: Low risk (Apple shape, gynoid fat distribution is more typical)
WHR between 0.85 and 0.90: Moderate risk
WHR of 0.90 or more: High risk (Android shape, abdominal fat distribution)
For Men:
WHR of 0.95 or less: Low risk (Pear shape, gynoid fat distribution is more typical)
WHR between 0.95 and 1.0: Moderate risk
WHR of 1.0 or more: High risk (Android shape, abdominal fat distribution)
It's important to note that these are general guidelines. Individual health statuses can vary, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Why is WHR Important?
Health Risk Assessment: It's a key indicator for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke.
Body Shape Insight: Helps understand fat distribution patterns (e.g., gynoid/pear shape vs. android/apple shape).
Tracking Progress: Can be used to monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) aimed at reducing abdominal fat.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example:
Scenario 1: A woman with Waist = 75 cm, Hip = 98 cm.
WHR = 75 cm / 98 cm = 0.765. This falls into the "Low risk" category for women.
Scenario 2: A man with Waist = 100 cm, Hip = 105 cm.
WHR = 100 cm / 105 cm = 0.952. This falls into the "Moderate risk" category for men.
The Body Figure Calculator uses these principles to provide you with an immediate analysis of your WHR and its potential health implications.
function calculateBodyFigure() {
var waist = parseFloat(document.getElementById("waistCircumference").value);
var hip = parseFloat(document.getElementById("hipCircumference").value);
var gender = document.getElementById("gender").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var figureResultP = document.getElementById("figureResult");
var additionalInfoDiv = document.getElementById("additionalInfo");
var errorMessageDiv = document.getElementById("errorMessage");
errorMessageDiv.textContent = ""; // Clear previous errors
resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; // Ensure result div is visible
if (isNaN(waist) || isNaN(hip)) {
errorMessageDiv.textContent = "Please enter valid numbers for both waist and hip circumference.";
figureResultP.textContent = "Calculation Failed";
return;
}
if (waist <= 0 || hip <= 0) {
errorMessageDiv.textContent = "Circumference values must be positive numbers.";
figureResultP.textContent = "Invalid Input";
return;
}
if (hip === 0) {
errorMessageDiv.textContent = "Hip circumference cannot be zero.";
figureResultP.textContent = "Calculation Error";
return;
}
var whr = waist / hip;
var formattedWhr = whr.toFixed(3);
var interpretation = "";
var riskLevel = "";
var colorClass = "";
if (gender === "female") {
if (whr = 0.85 && whr <= 0.90) {
interpretation = "Moderate risk";
riskLevel = "Moderate Health Risk";
colorClass = "#ffc107"; // Warning Yellow
} else {
interpretation = "High risk (Android/Apple Shape)";
riskLevel = "High Health Risk";
colorClass = "#dc3545"; // Danger Red
}
} else { // Male
if (whr = 0.95 && whr <= 1.0) {
interpretation = "Moderate risk";
riskLevel = "Moderate Health Risk";
colorClass = "#ffc107"; // Warning Yellow
} else {
interpretation = "High risk (Android/Apple Shape)";
riskLevel = "High Health Risk";
colorClass = "#dc3545"; // Danger Red
}
}
figureResultP.textContent = "WHR: " + formattedWhr;
additionalInfoDiv.innerHTML = `Interpretation: ${interpretation}Health Risk:${riskLevel}`;
resultDiv.style.borderColor = colorClass; // Use the risk color for the border
}