Waist To Hip Ratio Calculator
One study, performed by the Mayo Clinic, found that those who were apple shaped, even if their BMI (Body Measurement Index) was within the normal range, were more than twice as likely to die from just about any cause, but scarier still is that apple shapes are almost 3 times more likely to die from heart disease.
These kinds of studies point out the importance of maintaining a healthy waist to hip ratio (WHR).
Waist To Hip Ratio Calculator
Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
| DGSP | WHO | NIDD | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Men | Women | Men | Women | Men | |
| Under-weight | ||||||
| Normal weight | < 0.80 | < 0.90 | ||||
| Over-weight | 0.80–0.84 | 0.90–0.99 | ||||
| Obese | > 0.85 | > 1.00 | > 0.85 | > 0.90 | > 0.80 | > 1.00 |
By looking at your WHR, you can determine if you have an apple shaped or a pear shaped body type.
Apple and Pear Shape
You have probably already heard about the two most common body types;
- the pear shape, where a person carries most of their excess weight in their hips, thighs, and buttocks
- the apple shape, where a person carries most of their weight in the belly
Keep in mind that apple shapes are more likely to develop serious health problems because they carry more fat around their internal organs. This often leads to metabolic syndrome and a dramatically increased risk of developing cardiovascular and other types of disease.
It's interesting to note that when scientists looked at what made women attractive to men, the pears have it. While men are apt to first notice a woman's breast size or legs, researchers found that those with a WHR of 0.7 scored the highest marks on scales of sexual attraction. This would explain why models such as Jessica Alba and Kate Moss, both of whom have 0.7 WHR, are so popular.
Scarlett Johansson has a waist to hip ratio of 0.70
Disease Risk
Subcutaneous fat is the belly you see hanging over the belt. Visceral fat is the fat that is deep inside the abdomen, surrounding the vital organs of the body. Visceral fat is the most dangerous type as it appears to have a life of its own; releasing its own hormones, affecting insulin levels, and creating inflammation.
This ultimately leads to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are known factors for heart disease.
What Can Apple’s Do?
Although some factors are out of your control, such as your genes, your diet and lifestyle habits play a big part in both your weight and your body shape. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits. Cut back on sugar and carbohydrates, get a minimum of 7 hours sleep, and, of course, at least 30 minutes of exercise each day for your best chance of beating the odds.