Often the level of obesity is measured only by body weight scales, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) or body mass index. The problem is, this index does not consider aspects of muscle mass. As a result, the athletes who have low body fat but high muscle mass can be categorized obesity, when in fact the facts stated to the contrary.

Medical research concludes that in order to explore the possibilities of a heart attack, more accurate way is by measuring waist circumference. The easiest way to measure the waist is to look at the ratio of waist to hip.

Stand sideways in front of the mirror and measure the part nearest the body from the waist to the widest part of your hips. Then divide the waist measurement by your hip size. For example, women who have waist / hips 76 cm/93 cm, has a 0.81 ratio. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy size for women should be not more than 0.8 digits.