Recent research suggests that waist size may offer more insights into heart health than the scale’s reading. A study reveals that waist measurements can highlight cardiovascular risks that might be overlooked when relying on body mass index (BMI) alone.

The Cross-Cohort Collaboration analyzed data from about 260,000 adults involved in 15 extensive health studies. These participants were followed for approximately two decades. The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, indicate that some individuals considered to have a normal weight, according to BMI, may still have higher fat levels around the midsection.

Participants with normal or overweight BMI but larger waist sizes or higher waist-to-hip ratios seemed to face a 15% to 50% increased risk of heart-related issues and mortality during the study period.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, commented to Fox News Digital that BMI alone doesn’t convey where fat is stored. She emphasized that abdominal fat, known as visceral fat, can be particularly harmful since it’s metabolically active and can contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and arterial damage.

Among the health outcomes examined were heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and deaths related to cardiovascular issues. However, the study had limitations, such as not accounting for participants’ physical activity, diet, or genetic obesity risk, which all affect cardiovascular health.

It’s worth noting that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were only measured once during the study, restricting the ability to analyze how changes in abdominal fat over time influence heart disease risk.