Waist circumference may offer a more accurate assessment of heart health risk than body mass index (BMI) calculations, according to a large-scale study. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 260,000 adults over approximately 20 years, found that waist measurements can identify potential cardiovascular risks that might be overlooked when relying solely on BMI.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, revealed that individuals within normal or overweight BMI ranges who had larger waist measurements or higher waist-to-hip ratios faced a 15% to 50% increased risk of heart-related problems and death during the study period. This suggests that the distribution of body fat provides a more comprehensive view of health than weight relative to height alone.
Experts note that abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat surrounding internal organs, is metabolically active and can contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and artery damage. This type of fat poses different health concerns compared to fat stored elsewhere in the body. Therefore, where fat is carried may be more significant than the total amount of body fat.
The study examined outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular-related deaths. Researchers acknowledged limitations, including the absence of data on participants' physical activity, diets, or genetic predispositions, all of which can influence cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, waist measurements were taken only once, limiting the ability to track changes in abdominal fat over time and their impact on heart disease risk.