Waist/Hip Ratio

Waist/Hip ratio differentiates between android and gynoid obesity.

Android obesity is defined as carrying most of one's fat in the abdoman or being "apple-shaped". It is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, visceral obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Waist to hip ratio is increased as fat increases in the abdominal regions.

Gynoid obesity is defined as carrying fat in the lower part of the body such as hips and thighs, also called being "pear-shaped". It is not associated with increased heart risk. Waist to hip ratio is not increased as fat increases in femoral-gluteal regions.

To measure: measure around the smallest part of your waist and the largest part of your hips. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. This will give you your ratio.

A waist/hip ratio of 0.8 or greater in women and a 1.0 or greater in men is indicative of android obesity and an increased risk for obesity-related diseases.