The Waist/Hip ratio:

Calculation:

Waist-to-hip circumference ratio norms for men and women*

Age

Low

Moderate

High

Very High

Men

20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69

<0.83
<0.84
<0.88
<0.90
<0.91

0.83-0.88
0.84-0.91
0.88-0.95
0.90-0.96
0.91-0.98

0.89-0.94
0.92-0.96
0.96-1.00
0.97-1.02
0.99-1.03

>0.94
>0.96
>1.00
>1.02
>1.03

Women

20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69

<0.71
<0.72
<0.73
<0.74
<0.76

0.71-0.77
0.72-0.78
0.73-0.79
0.74-0.81
0.76-0.83

0.78-0.82
0.79-0.84
0.80-0.87
0.82-0.88
0.84-0.90

>0.82
>0.84
>0.87
>0.88
>0.90

*Adapted from Heyward, 2010.

Waist Circumference
Criteria for waist circumference in adults*
Risk category
Very low
Low
High
Very high

Women
<70cm
70-89
90-109
>110

Men
<80cm
80-99
100-120
>120
*Adapted from ACSM, 2010a.

The waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference are related to the factors associated
with metabolic and cardiovascular disease (Heyward, 2010). The above tables can
be used to determine a persons risk when their circumferences are known.