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Fitness and Work Capacity: 2009 Edition

Figure 3.2 Long Description




Image explaining the Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) and indicating safe limits for both genders.
Figure 3.2—Waist-to-hip ratio. Reprinted, with permission,
from B.J. Sharkey and S.E. Gaskill, 2007, Fitness & Health,
6th ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 249.
For a long description of the image click on the image.

The graphic shows the backview of a man along with text defining the waist-to-hip ratio. The text describing the waist-to-hip ratio reads:

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) indicates visceral fat, which carries a greater risk of heart disease. To calculate, measure the waist at the level of the navel and hips at the greatest circumference. Measure to the nearest 0.25 inch or 0.5 centimeter, then divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. WHR values above 0.85 to 0.9 for men and 0.75 to 0.8 for women exceed safe limits.