New Study: Waist Size, Not Just BMI, Key to Health Risk Assessment
A new study underscores the significance of waist size in assessing health risks, complementing the conventional Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. Researchers emphasize that abdominal fat, in particular, presents substantial health threats.
While BMI serves as a helpful indicator for most Americans, it's not infallible. It may overestimate risk in athletes and underestimate it in older adults. A study, though the researcher's name is not specified, discovered that waist measurement is more accurate than BMI for predicting heart attack risk, particularly in women.
Fat cells, especially those around the abdomen, secrete hormones and chemicals that stimulate inflammation. This escalates the risk of diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Even with a healthy BMI, fat distribution can influence health risks. A waist circumference exceeding 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men indicates a higher health risk. For individuals from South Asia, China, or Japan, the threshold is lower: 31 inches for women and 35 inches for men. Overweight or obesity further heightens the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Body shape, along with size, plays a pivotal role in evaluating health risks. Waist size, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio offer more precise readings than BMI for many individuals. Regular tracking of these measurements can assist in mitigating health risks associated with abdominal fat.
