The hip-to-waist ratio (WHR) is a measurement that quantifies the distribution of body fat. It’s calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. While the ratio is a continuous measurement, the specific value of 0.7 has gained considerable attention, representing a particular pattern of fat storage in contexts ranging from evolutionary psychology to public health.
What is the .7 Hip to Waist Ratio?
A hip-to-waist ratio of 0.7 signifies that the circumference of the waist is 70% of the circumference of the hips. For instance, a person with a 25-inch waist and 35.7-inch hips would have a WHR of approximately 0.7. This figure gained prominence through the work of psychologist Devendra Singh in the early 1990s, who theorized that this ratio was a reliable indicator of a female’s reproductive status and health.
The .7 Ratio and Perceived Attractiveness
The link between the 0.7 WHR and perceptions of female attractiveness is one of the most studied aspects of this measurement. Devendra Singh’s foundational research involved showing line drawings of female figures with varying WHRs to men from diverse cultural backgrounds. Across these studies, figures with a 0.7 WHR were consistently rated as the most attractive, suggesting a potential cross-cultural preference.
From an evolutionary psychology perspective, this preference is hypothesized to be an ingrained mechanism. A low WHR, such as 0.7, may serve as an “honest signal” of a female’s biological fitness. It can indicate youthfulness, a healthy hormonal balance, and higher fertility.
This attraction may be connected to an adaptive advantage. By being drawn to mates with a WHR around this level, males may have historically increased their chances of reproductive success. The ratio signals that a woman has sufficient energy reserves for pregnancy, while a narrow waist suggests she is not currently pregnant.
Health Implications of a .7 WHR
A hip-to-waist ratio in the 0.7 range is often correlated with positive health markers, primarily due to what it reveals about fat distribution. A lower WHR indicates that fat is stored subcutaneously around the hips and thighs (gynoid or “pear-shaped” fat distribution) rather than around the abdominal organs as visceral fat.
This visceral fat is more metabolically active and is linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The fat stored in the abdominal area is known to release inflammatory substances that can interfere with normal insulin function and promote plaque buildup in arteries. A WHR of 0.7 can therefore be an external sign of a healthier internal metabolic environment.
Furthermore, this ratio is tied to a woman’s hormonal profile. This hormonal state is not only conducive to higher fertility rates but is also generally protective against various health issues.
Factors Determining Hip to Waist Ratio
An individual’s hip-to-waist ratio is determined by a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Heredity largely dictates bone structure and an individual’s predisposition for where their body stores fat. Some people are genetically inclined to have a narrower waist and wider hips, making a lower WHR more naturally attainable.
Hormones are another major determinant. Estrogen in females promotes the deposition of fat on the hips, thighs, and buttocks. In contrast, androgens like testosterone encourage fat storage in the abdominal area, leading to a higher WHR or an “android” fat distribution pattern.
Lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity, also influence the ratio. A diet high in processed foods can lead to an increase in visceral fat, which expands the waistline. Conversely, regular physical activity can help reduce abdominal fat and build muscle mass in the lower body, thereby lowering the WHR.
How to Measure WHR and Interpret Results
Measuring your hip-to-waist ratio is a straightforward process you can do at home. First, stand up straight and relax your abdomen. To measure your waist, wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, which is typically just above your belly button, ensuring the tape is level and snug but not compressing your skin.
To measure your hips, wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your buttocks. It is important to make sure the tape remains parallel to the floor for an accurate measurement. Once you have both measurements, divide the waist figure by the hip figure to calculate your WHR.
For interpretation, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a WHR above 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men is associated with an increased risk of metabolic complications. While the 0.7 ratio is often cited in attractiveness studies, understanding your own WHR within these broader health contexts provides a more complete picture.