Scientists have found that a simple waist circumference measurement can identify unhealthy levels of body fat almost as reliably as complex, multi-step assessment methods. In addition, it can detect cases of obesity that may be missed by the commonly used body mass index (BMI). The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
Body mass index — the ratio of body weight to height squared — has been used for decades as the main indicator of obesity. However, BMI does not show where or how much fat has accumulated in the body. For example, it may incorrectly classify a muscular person as overweight or obese, while failing to identify someone with a normal body weight but a high amount of potentially harmful visceral fat. Researchers are therefore looking for more accurate yet simple ways to assess body fat and related health risks.
Researchers led by Ayush Visaria of Rutgers Health analyzed data from approximately 1,900 U.S. adults aged 20 to 59. They compared how effectively different measures identify unhealthy levels of body fat, including waist circumference, BMI, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, and more complex combinations of these measures.
The researchers found that waist circumference alone performed almost as well as more complicated methods that combine several measurements. At the same time, it was able to identify obesity in people whose BMI was formally within the normal range, which may be particularly important for the early detection of health risks.
“Waist measurement provides most of the information needed and is convenient for both clinicians and patients,” Ayush Visaria said.
The main advantage of the method is its simplicity. It requires neither expensive equipment nor complex calculations: waist circumference can be measured with an ordinary measuring tape, even at home.
The measure is particularly relevant because fat that accumulates around the abdomen can surround internal organs. Visceral fat is considered especially harmful to health and is associated with an increased risk of a number of diseases.
According to the authors, a simple waist measurement during a medical appointment could become an effective tool for large-scale screening. It could help identify people at increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related complications at an earlier stage.
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