Is Waist-to-Height Ratio a Better Predictor of Heart Disease Risk than BMI?
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Synopsis
Discover how a new study challenges traditional views on heart disease risk assessment. It reveals that the waist-to-height ratio may be a more reliable indicator than BMI, potentially leading to earlier interventions for cardiovascular health. This article explores the implications for healthcare and the general public.
Key Takeaways
- Waist-to-height ratio may be a superior predictor of heart disease risk compared to BMI.
- It reflects central obesity, which is closely linked to cardiovascular health.
- Individuals with a BMI under 30 may still be at risk if their WHtR is high.
- Using WHtR can facilitate earlier detection and intervention.
- The study analyzed data from over 2,700 adults over more than five years.
New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) Although obesity is a recognized contributor to heart disease, recent research indicates that the comparison of a person's waist circumference to their height is a more accurate predictor than body mass index (BMI) for assessing risk.
This revelation, detailed in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, could transform how healthcare professionals and individuals evaluate cardiovascular risk, particularly for those who do not fit the traditional definition of obesity.
Lead author Thiago Bosco Mendes from the University of Pittsburgh, US, stated, "Elevated BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio at the outset were all linked to a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future—until we factored in additional classic risk determinants such as age, gender, smoking habits, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels." Mendes further noted, "Post-adjustment, only the waist-to-height ratio remained a significant predictor."
The research involved analyzing data from 2,721 adults without cardiovascular disease initially, who were monitored for over five years.
A significant portion of this predictive capability is evident among individuals with a BMI below 30, which is under the traditional obesity threshold, who may be unaware of their cardiovascular risk.
BMI fails to account for fat distribution or differentiate between detrimental visceral fat and beneficial subcutaneous fat.
In contrast, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), calculated by dividing waist circumference by height, accurately reflects central obesity, which has a stronger correlation with heart disease.
This means individuals with a BMI below 30 but a WHtR exceeding 0.5 might face an increased risk of future coronary artery calcification—a critical indicator of cardiovascular disease—even without other risk factors, according to the study's findings.
"Utilizing waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool for cardiovascular health can facilitate earlier detection and intervention for patients at risk who might otherwise go unnoticed," remarked senior author Marcio Bittencourt, Associate Professor of Medicine at Pitt.
"It's a straightforward yet effective method to identify heart disease risk early, even if a patient's weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure appear normal," Bittencourt added.
Point of View
This study highlights a crucial shift in how we perceive health risks, emphasizing the importance of adapting screening methods to effectively identify individuals at risk. It opens up a dialogue on enhancing preventive healthcare strategies.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the waist-to-height ratio?
The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is calculated by dividing a person's waist circumference by their height. It serves as an indicator of central obesity and associated health risks.
Why is the waist-to-height ratio more effective than BMI?
Unlike BMI, which does not differentiate fat distribution, the waist-to-height ratio more accurately reflects central obesity, a key risk factor for heart disease.
What were the main findings of the study?
The study found that the waist-to-height ratio was a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, even in individuals with a BMI under 30.
How can I calculate my waist-to-height ratio?
To calculate your waist-to-height ratio, measure your waist circumference and divide it by your height. A ratio above 0.5 may indicate a higher risk for heart disease.
What implications does this study have for healthcare?
This study suggests that incorporating waist-to-height ratio assessments could lead to earlier identification and intervention for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease.
