A study published in JACC suggests that visceral fat measurements provide a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk than body mass index (BMI) alone.
Key facts
- •The study, published in JACC on August 11, analyzed data from nearly 260,000 people.
- •High waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratios are linked to a 15% to 50% higher risk of heart disease.
- •Visceral fat releases inflammatory chemicals that negatively impact blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- •Experts advise that BMI alone is insufficient for assessing metabolic risk, as people with normal weight can still carry significant visceral fat.
- •Reducing abdominal fat requires general weight loss through diet, as targeted exercises like sit-ups do not specifically burn visceral fat.
A study published in JACC on August 11 indicates that the amount of visceral, or belly, fat a person carries is a more effective predictor of future heart disease risk than body mass index (BMI). Researchers analyzed health data from nearly 260,000 individuals to determine how abdominal fat distribution impacts cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that relying solely on BMI may overlook significant health risks in individuals who are otherwise at a healthy weight or overweight.
By the numbers
Limitations of BMI and Benefits of Abdominal Measurements
For many years, BMI has been the standard for assessing weight-related health risks. However, experts note that BMI does not accurately measure body composition or the presence of visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs. According to Dr. Michael J. Blaha, senior author of the study, combining BMI with waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio provides a superior assessment of metabolic and cardiovascular risk. Individuals with a clinically defined high waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio face a 15% to 50% higher risk for heart disease, even if their BMI is not in the obesity range.
How Visceral Fat Affects Cardiovascular Health
Visceral fat is metabolically active and releases chemicals that contribute to inflammation in the bloodstream. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, explains that these chemicals interfere with cholesterol levels, blood pressure control, and blood sugar regulation, ultimately increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Because of these risks, medical professionals are increasingly moving toward using a combination of BMI and abdominal fat measurements to define obesity and assess patient health.
Measuring and Reducing Abdominal Fat
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Mir Ali notes that while measuring waist circumference is straightforward, it is prone to variability if not performed at the correct location. He recommends that patients consult with a primary healthcare provider to learn the proper measurement technique. Regarding fat loss, Dr. Ali clarified that there is no method to target weight loss specifically to the abdomen. Instead, general weight loss through a diet that reduces sugars and carbohydrates is necessary to decrease visceral fat, as exercises like sit-ups only develop abdominal muscles without necessarily reducing the fat itself.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
