Most people store their body fat in two distinct ways, around the middle (like an apple) or around the thighs or hips (like a pear). If your shape resembles an apple, you could be at a higher health risk category than if you resemble a pear.

A waist-to-hip ratio assessment measures the proportion of body fat stored on your body around your waist and hips. This ratio helps to determine whether or not you are at risk of developing a weight-related disease.

How to measure your waist-to-hip ratio:

• For men: First, measure your waist at the navel. Next, measure your hips at the tip of the hip bone. Finally, divide your waist size by your hip size and you get a waist-to-hip ratio.
• For women: First, measure your waist midway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of the hip bone. Next, measure your hips at the widest point between the hips and buttocks. Finally, divide your waist size by your hip size and you get a waist-to-hip ratio.

Ideally, men should have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.95 of less. Women should have a ratio of 0.8 or less.

learn more ...