Are You an Apple or a Pear?

You or your health care professional should measure your waist and hips to determine your waist-to-hip ratio because abdominal fat is an independent predictor of disease risk. A ratio of 0.8 or greater for women (1.0 or greater for men) indicates that you tend to store your body fat around your middle (making you an "apple" versus a "pear" shape).

How to Measure

1. Stand relaxed.
2. Measure your natural waist line.
3. Measure your hips at their widest circumference.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator

If your WHR is 0.8 or greater (1.0 or greater for men), talk to your health care professional. He or she can advise you about a weight-loss program suited to your weight and health goals. Learn more.

To determine if you are overweight, of normal weight or underweight, you can calculate your body mass index (BMI), which describes body weight relative to height and is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults:

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered within the normal, healthy range; 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight; 30 or more is considered obese, and 40 or greater is considered extreme obesity. If your BMI falls under 18.5, you may be underweight; if so, you may want to ask your health care professional. Learn more

Test You Knowledge of the Top 5 Health Topics

Birth Control Pills
Progesterone
Thyroid Disorders
Pregnancy
Yeast Infections

More quizzes...