
Waist-to-Height Ratio Outperforms BMI for Predicting Heart Disease Risk
A University of Pittsburgh study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas finds waist-to-height ratio is a better predictor of long-term heart disease risk than BMI, especially for people with BMI under 30. The ratio—waist circumference divided by height—captures central/visceral fat that BMI misses. Normal is 0.4–0.49, increased risk 0.5–0.59, and high risk 0.6+. The piece notes how to measure it and suggests lifestyle steps (adequate protein, fiber, sleep) to improve the ratio, emphasizing that health metrics should look beyond weight alone to assess heart risk.








