Hip to waist ratio

The hip-to-waist ratio is a measure used to assess a person’s body fat distribution. 1 explains how to measure this ratio accurately. For women, a ratio of 0.8 or below is considered healthy, while for men, it is 0.9 or below. These measurements are linked to various health indicators, including gut health and potential risks of metabolic diseases.

Moreover, 2 reviews the evolutionary perspective, suggesting that a consistent hip-to-waist ratio across different cultures is associated with successful childbirth, indicating that this physical attribute may have evolved as a sign of health and fertility.

Lastly, achieving an ideal hip-to-waist ratio involves maintaining a healthy body composition, which influences physical attractiveness and is tied to biological indicators of health and reproductive success. 3 further notes that irrespective of body size, a ratio of around 0.7 is often found attractive across various cultures and is linked to better health outcomes and successful childbirth.