Waist Size May Reveal Heart Risk at Normal Weight
A person’s waist size may offer important clues about heart health that BMI can miss. A major long-term study found higher heart risks among some people with normal weight.
Researchers analysed data from nearly 260,000 adults across 15 medical studies. Participants were followed for about 20 years.
The study found that people with normal or slightly overweight BMI faced greater cardiovascular risks when they also had larger waists or higher waist-to-hip ratios.
Belly Fat Linked to Heart Risk
People with normal or slightly overweight BMI and more abdominal fat had a 15% to 50% higher risk of heart conditions and death.
The findings appeared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. They suggest BMI alone may not give a complete picture of cardiovascular health.
BMI compares weight with height. However, it does not show where body fat is stored. Therefore, waist measurements may provide useful information about fat distribution.
Why Abdominal Fat Matters
Abdominal fat can include visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs. This type of fat may contribute to inflammation and affect insulin function.
Nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade told Fox News that fat location may matter more than total body fat. In addition, visceral fat may affect blood vessels and raise cardiovascular risks.
Researchers examined heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and cardiovascular deaths. As a result, the findings support looking beyond body weight during heart health assessments.
Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio could offer extra information about abdominal fat.
Study Has Some Limitations
The researchers reported several limitations. For example, they lacked complete information about physical activity, diet and genetic obesity risks.
Furthermore, researchers measured waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio only once. Therefore, the study could not fully assess how changes in abdominal fat affected cardiovascular risk over time.
Over the years, waist measurements may offer useful context.
