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Belly fat may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than BMI, study finds
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Key Points:
- A study following over 250,000 adults for 20 years found that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are more accurate predictors of heart disease risk than body mass index (BMI).
- Nearly 20% of individuals with normal BMI but high waist-to-hip ratio had up to 50% higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
- Among those with obesity, about 10% had lower waist circumference and showed no significant difference in heart health risk compared to individuals with normal weight and low waist circumference.
- Central adiposity, or belly fat, is linked to metabolic issues that increase inflammation and raise blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, making it a better indicator of cardiovascular health than BMI alone.
- Experts recommend measuring waist and hip circumference at home to assess risk and discuss results with a doctor, emphasizing the importance of including these measurements in routine medical evaluations.
