Hip-Waist ratio... says i am at a risk of developing heart disease?

Question

For school we had to research health tests.. and i came across the hip-waist ratio.

I put in my measurements

24 ins waist
29 ins hips

and it said: Your shape puts you at increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Frequently referred to as apple shape, you tend to keep fat at your midsection and less on your hips. Your body converts this upper body fat to energy whenever your body runs short. This raises cholesterol and blood pressure.

Does this mean i am fat for my body frame? I am quite worried about this.. what can i do to get rid of this?

I am a 15 year old female.. i am a runner i am about 5 foot 6 don't know how much i weigh... probably around 46kg anymore questions feel free to ask.

Additional Details

How will my hips getting wider worsen the ratio? Will it make the risk greater? and why?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

First of all did you measure correctly? The waist measurement is taken at the narrowest part of the torso (typically above the belly button) and the hips measurement is taken around the buttock/thigh area. See here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G6ho6YshrHc/Sp…

If you did happen to measure correctly then it's most definitely not an issue of excess abdominal fat, it's because you have such miniscule hips that the waist/hip ratio comes out high. It's not an exact science and should only be used to guage risk in the appropriate circumstances. You are an exception to the rule as are many athletic people with well defined abs and super small hips.

Hope this helps.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks

Answer 2

Are you sure you measured correctly? Waist should be measured at the narrowest point, hips at the widest. Based upon your weight and height, you sound reasonably thin.

It might also have to do with your age. If you're not completely finished developing your hips (and they sound small), you'll end up with a lower ratio.

Also note that you're just above the border, 0.8 is the border between good health and increased risk of heart disease.

If your hips widen, as they tend to through puberty for women, the ratio will become smaller and more into the range. It won't actually make you healthier; I think you're all right already, just this benchmark is a bit off for your body type.


Edit: Crap, I said "you'll end up with a worse ratio", I meant lower ratio! A better one!