The detailed guide below is currently available in English.
Why waist-to-hip ratio matters
Where the body stores fat changes health risk more than weight alone suggests. Fat carried around the abdomen (the apple shape) is linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular strain, while fat around the hips and thighs (the pear shape) is metabolically calmer. Dividing waist circumference by hip circumference captures that shape in one number, which is why the WHO uses WHR alongside BMI and waist size to screen for weight-related risk.
How to measure accurately
Stand relaxed and breathe normally. Wrap the tape around the waist at its narrowest point — usually just above the navel — keeping it level and snug but not compressing the skin. Then measure around the widest part of the hips and buttocks in front of a mirror to keep the tape flat. Take each measurement twice; a couple of centimeters of sloppiness can move the ratio enough to shift categories.
Repères pour la France
Repères locaux pour la France, utiles dans les calculs du quotidien :
- TVA: 20 % en taux normal (5,5 % alimentaire, 10 % restauration) ; les prix sont TTC par loi.
- Monnaie & paiements: Euro (€) ; paiement sans contact et carte bancaire très répandus, virement SEPA instantané en développement.
- Unités & nombres: Système métrique ; virgule décimale et espace pour les milliers : 1 234,56 €.
- Santé: Carte Vitale ; l'Assurance Maladie rembourse en base ≈ 70 % des soins, le reste par mutuelle.
- Pourboire: Service compris : aucun pourboire obligatoire ; arrondir suffit.
Mis à jour : octobre 2026 · valeurs 2025, sources officielles ci-dessus.
Questions fréquentes
Is WHR better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI reflects overall weight for height but cannot see where fat sits; WHR reflects fat distribution but ignores total mass. Together they screen better than either alone.
Why do the thresholds differ for men and women?
Healthy fat distribution differs by sex: women naturally carry a larger share of fat around the hips. A ratio that is unremarkable for a man can flag abdominal risk for a woman, so the WHO uses different cutoffs.
Can I lower my WHR?
Usually yes. Abdominal fat responds to the same levers as other fat — a modest calorie deficit, regular activity, sleep, and alcohol in moderation — and spot-reduction myths aside, overall fat loss tends to shrink the waist first.