Waist Measurements May Beat BMI in Predicting Heart Disease Risk
A study of nearly 260,000 people found that belly fat (visceral fat) measured by waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio better predicts future heart disease risk than BMI alone; even individuals with normal or overweight BMI can have high visceral fat, increasing risk up to 50%. Clinicians should use waist metrics alongside BMI, and efforts to reduce belly fat—through a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management—are advised.