Waist to hip ratio beats BMI

The study further concluded that by measuring abdominal size, physicians are targeting areas on the body definitively linked with heart disease, rather than the mass of the body as a whole.

Also, a hip size larger in circumference than the abdominal region suggests a good distribution of lower body muscle mass. What's more, the measurement process is simple.

To determine if you have a healthy waist to hip ratio, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. Then measure your waist at the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.

To determine the ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip
measurement. For a healthy woman, the figure should be 0.85 or less. For a healthy man, the figure should read 0.9 or less. Here is a calculator and chart.

While there is clearly more research to be done, the study does suggest that you should ask your doctor to factor waist/hip ratio into an overall assessment of your health. Given that the links between obesity and heart disease are so established, it makes good health sense to try and reduce your waist/hip ratio by eating appropriately and exercising frequently. Make that tape measure your best friend, rather than your worst enemy!