More than 260,000 people tracked for about 20 years showed larger waistlines were tied to higher heart-disease risk even when BMI fell in the normal range.
The study also found some people classified as obese by BMI but with smaller waists did not face higher heart risk, underscoring BMI’s limits as a standalone measure.
Researchers said waist measurements may give doctors a clearer view of cardiovascular health because BMI captures only height and weight, not abdominal fat.
The findings add to broader pressure on BMI-only screening; the American Medical Association already advises pairing BMI with factors such as waist circumference, body composition and metabolic markers.
Since doctors admit waist measurements are easily botched, how can you truly know if your abdominal fat is at a dangerous level?
If your BMI says you are healthy, could hidden belly fat still be silently increasing your risk of a sudden heart attack?
If sit-ups cannot target deadly visceral fat, what specific lifestyle changes actually eliminate the dangerous weight surrounding your internal organs?