For women, what waist-to-hip ratio measurement indicates an increased risk?

The waist-to-hip ratio is a significant measure used to assess body fat distribution and the associated risk of various health conditions. For women, a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 indicates an increased risk for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes.

This threshold is based on evidence showing that as the waist circumference in relation to hip circumference increases, the risk of obesity-related health issues also rises. A higher waist-to-hip ratio suggests that more fat is being stored in the abdominal area compared to the hips, which is linked to greater health risks compared to fat stored in other areas of the body.

In contrast, a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.70 is generally considered indicative of a healthier body composition for women, as it suggests lower levels of abdominal fat. Similarly, a ratio equal to 0.80 is still within a safer range, while anything greater than 0.90 is typically associated with men and may also indicate health risks, but it does not specifically apply to women according to standard guidelines. Hence, the measurement of greater than 0.85 is the critical point for women where health risks begin to significantly increase.