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Study challenges BMI, finds waist size may better predict heart attack risk

From BioBioChile · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • A new study questions the use of body mass index as the main measure of overweight and obesity.
  • The research suggests that waist size may provide a better indication of the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
  • Earlier research has also examined the relationship between body measurements and cardiovascular risk.

For years, body mass index, or BMI, has served as one of the main ways to determine whether a person is overweight or obese. A new study is now questioning whether that measure offers the clearest picture of cardiovascular risk.

The research points to waist size as a potentially more useful predictor of a heart attack. It also links the measurement to the risk of other cardiovascular diseases, according to the information reported by BioBioChile.

The finding challenges the familiar emphasis on BMI in discussions about body weight and health. Rather than relying only on a calculation based on height and weight, the study suggests that the size of a person’s waist may provide important information about possible heart-related risks.

Earlier research has also examined this relationship, the report notes. The findings add to a broader discussion over which body measurements can best identify people who may face cardiovascular problems.

About this summary

Originally published by BioBioChile in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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