The waist measurement is taken at the point of smallest circumference, and the hip measurement is taken at the point of greatest circumference.
Most men are apples, and most women are pears.
Women need to lose weight if the ratio is 8.5 or higher. More conservative estimates indicate that the risk starts to increase when the ratio exceeds .95 and .80 for men and women, respectively. Example from Male Subject. Divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference. If the ration is lower, you are should not be concerned about losing weight.