Using the tables below, you can determine if you are within range of your ideal weight. To determine whether you are small, medium or large framed, just measure your wrist as per the instructions below.
Small, medium or large framed
A simple way to determine if you are small, medium or larged framed... just measure the circumference of your wrist with a tape measure:
for women
If your wrist measures 5" to 51/2" around, you are small framed
If your wrist measures 5 1/2" to 6" you are medium framed
If your wrist measures 6" to 6 1/2" you are large framed
for men
If your wrist measures 6 1/2" to 7" around, you are small framed
If your wrist measures 7" to 7 1/2" you are medium framed
If your wrist measures 7 1/2" to 8" you are large framed
The Waste to Hip Ratio
Another method of self-analysis is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) that measures the difference between your waist and hips. Most people store body fat in one of two places, the waist (often referred to as "apple" shaped) or around their hips (often referred to as "pear" shaped).
To find out if you are an "apple" or "pear" shape, follow the instructions below. It is important to note that, although carrying extra weight is generally unhealthy, people who carry extra weight around their waist are more at risk for health problems than people who carry extra weight around their hips.
Calculating your WHR
1. Measure your waist
2. Measure your hips
3. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement
Example:
Waist 36 inches, hips 28 inches
36 divided by 28 = 1.275
For men, a waist to hip ratio of 1.0 or greater and for women, a waist to hip ratio of 0.8 or greater, indicates that fat stores are carried around your waist (apple shape). This could increase your risk of health complications.
