A waist-to-hip ratio assessment tool calculates the proportion of waist circumference to hip circumference. The calculation involves measuring the waist at its narrowest point and the hips at their widest point, then dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement. For example, if an individual has a waist measurement of 30 inches and a hip measurement of 40 inches, the ratio would be 0.75.
This metric provides an indication of body fat distribution, which can be correlated with health risks. A higher ratio suggests a greater accumulation of abdominal fat, which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health complications. Historically, the ratio has been used as a simple and readily available measure in epidemiological studies and clinical settings to assess metabolic health risk.