Beyond BMI: Waist Circumference and Body Shape Reveal True Health Risk
Body mass index (BMI) alone may not paint the full picture of health risk. New insights suggest considering waist circumference and body shape alongside BMI for a clearer understanding of health status.
Dr. Leslie Cho, formerly with the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the importance of waist circumference in assessing health risk. Even small amounts of weight loss can improve health insurance, highlighting the significance of these measurements.
BMI, a common measure of body fat based on height and weight, can overestimate risk in athletes and underestimate it in older adults. Waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio are additional tools that can help assess health risk more accurately. Abdominal fat cells release hormones and chemicals that can fuel inflammation, making waist size a crucial indicator.
Having overweight or obesity increases the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men indicates an increased health risk. Therefore, it's essential to consider BMI alongside waist circumference and body shape for a comprehensive understanding of health risk.
