Belly Fat vs. BMI: Which Better Predicts Your Heart Disease Risk?

Research shows that a person’s belly fat may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than BMI. ozgurcankaya/E+/Getty A new study reports that the amount of belly fat a person is carrying may be a better predictor of future heart disease risk than their body mass index (BMI). An unhealthy waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio may increase your risk of heart disease by up to 50%. Speak with your healthcare professional about how to measure your waist circumference correctly and for health tips to help lose belly fat. A new study has found that the amount of visceral, or belly, fat a person is carrying may be a better predictor of future heart disease risk than their body mass index (BMI) alone. The results of this study were published in JACC on August 11. For many years, BMI, calculated from a person’s height and weight, has been widely used to assess whether a person’s weight may pose health risks. However, measures such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio can provide additional information about body composition and health risks. “Abdominal fat is the fat distributed within the belly, surrounding the organs of the …