Waist-to-Hips Ratio: A Review of Its Role in Physical and Metabolic Health
Kumar Tiwari, Department of Health Sciences, University of Delhi
Abstract
Waist-to-Hips Ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of body shape, which has been used to assess both physical and metabolic health. WHR is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by that of the hips. Studies have consistently shown that higher WHRs are associated with higher levels of body fat, and higher risks of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although WHR is a useful measure of body shape, it has certain limitations. Other measures, such as body mass index, are often more accurate for assessing overall body fat, and WHR should not be used as a stand-alone measure of health.
Keywords: waist-to-hips ratio, physical health, metabolic health, body fat
Introduction
Waist-to-Hips Ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of body shape, which has been used to assess both physical and metabolic health. WHR is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by that of the hips. Studies have consistently shown that higher WHRs are associated with higher levels of body fat, and higher risks of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Kumari et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2019; Kukkonen-Harjula et al., 2019). In this review, we will discuss the role of WHR in physical and metabolic health, as well as its limitations.
WHR and Physical Health
Studies have consistently shown that higher WHRs are associated with higher levels of body fat (Kumari et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2019). This is because abdominal fat is more easily stored when the waist is larger relative to the hips. Furthermore, abdominal fat is more metabolically active than other forms of body fat, and is associated with a range of metabolic disorders (Kukkonen-Harjula et al., 2019). For this reason, higher WHRs are associated with poorer physical health.
WHR and Metabolic Health
In addition to its role in physical health, WHR has also been linked to metabolic health. Studies have consistently shown that higher WHRs are associated with higher risks of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Kumari et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2019; Kukkonen-Harjula et al., 2019). This is likely due to the fact that abdominal fat is more metabolically active than other forms of body fat, and is associated with a range of metabolic disorders.
Limitations of WHR
Although WHR is a useful measure of body shape, it has certain limitations. First, WHR is not a direct measure of body fat, and other measures, such as body mass index (BMI), are often more accurate for assessing overall body fat. Second, WHR should not be used as a stand-alone measure of health, as it does not take into account other factors, such as diet and exercise, which are also important for overall health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WHR is a useful measure of body shape, which has been used to assess both physical and metabolic health. Studies have consistently shown that higher WHRs are associated with higher levels of body fat, and higher risks of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although WHR is a useful measure of body shape, it has certain limitations, and should not be used as a stand-alone measure of health.
References
Kumari, S., Sharma, G., Sharma, P., & Sharma, A. (2020). Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Its Role in Metabolic Syndrome. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(3), 1611–1615. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20204834
Kukkonen-Harjula, K., Pöyhönen, M., & Salonen, J. (2019). Abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome: Pathophysiology and implications for cardiovascular disease. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 62(3), 250–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2019.01.004
Zhang, B., Sun, J., Tian, Y., Cao, Y., Yang, H., & Song, C. (2019). Waist-to-hip ratio is associated with risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 151, 10–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2019.03.003