Forget the scale and BMI. A simple waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurement may predict heart disease risk in men more accurately than weight alone. Research shows that men with a higher WHR have a significantly increased risk of heart attack, even more so than weight or BMI alone. WHR reveals where fat is stored: excess abdominal (visceral) fat surrounds organs and is linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, while fat around the hips and thighs may be more protective. To calculate WHR, divide waist circumference by hip circumference. A ratio above 0.90 signals increased risk in men. WHR can improve through strength training, soluble fiber, microbiome support, and targeted metabolic support.