Question 1

What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio for Singaporeans?

Accepted Answer

Singapore HPB and WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines recommend a WHR below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women as low risk. Above 0.95 (men) and 0.85 (women) indicates high cardiovascular risk.

Question 2

Why is waist-to-hip ratio important?

Accepted Answer

WHR measures central (abdominal) obesity — excess fat around the belly — which is more strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than total body fat or BMI.

Question 3

How does WHR compare to BMI?

Accepted Answer

BMI doesn't distinguish where fat is stored. Two people with the same BMI can have very different cardiovascular risk depending on fat distribution. WHR identifies abdominal obesity that BMI misses.

Question 4

How do I reduce my waist-to-hip ratio?

Accepted Answer

Reduce overall body fat through a calorie deficit and regular aerobic exercise. Spot-reducing belly fat alone is not possible, but consistent exercise — especially cardio — preferentially reduces visceral abdominal fat.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator