Oh yes it does!
Another indicator of health risk is the Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
Why is the hip-waist ratio important? ...
The waist-to-hip ratio is a quick measure of fat distribution that may help indicate a person's overall health. People who carry more weight around their middle than their hips may be at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions.
The WHR is helpful because in smaller people waist circumference alone may underestimate risk. By comparing waist circumference to hip circumference, you can get a better indication of abdominal obesity. Basically your waist should be smaller than your hips no matter what weight you are or what your BMI is.
To get your waist-hip ratio:
Stand up straight and breathe out. Use a tape measure to check the distance around the smallest part of your waist, just above your belly button. This is your waist circumference.
Then measure the distance around the largest part of your hips — the widest part of your buttocks. This is your hip circumference.
Calculate your WHR by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy WHR is: • 0.9 or less in men • 0.85 or less for women
In both men and women, a WHR of 1.0 or higher increases the risk for heart disease and other conditions that are linked to being overweight.
Karen is a qualified personal trainer and nutrition coach living in Cyprus near Paphos with her husband Mal and their cat Dave. She has been a personal trainer for 14 years and a qualified nutrition coach for over 2 years. She is passionate about working with people of any age and fitness level to improve their health and wellbeing.
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