The waist to hip ratio compares the size of your waist, to your hip measurement. If your hips are bigger than your waist you are a pear shape. If your waist is bigger than your hips, you are an apple shape. Research has shown that people who have more weight around their waist (apple-shaped) have more health risks than those who have pear shapes.[1]
To get the most accurate measurements, you should measure your waist just above your belly button. You should measure your hips at the widest point of your buttocks.