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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 12, 2026Hillsborough

Johns Hopkins study finds waist measurement may predict heart disease risk better than BMI

Researchers found that belly fat is a more accurate indicator of heart disease risk than Body Mass Index (BMI) after analyzing data from over 260,000 people. The study suggests that individuals with a 'normal' BMI but large waistlines may face higher risks, while some individuals classified as obese with smaller waistlines may not.

healthheart diseaseobesitymedical research
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

This research suggests that doctors may need to incorporate waist measurements alongside BMI to more accurately assess risks for patients.

Key Facts

  • Researchers analyzed health data from over 260,000 people over a 20-year period.
  • Belly fat is identified as a potentially better predictor of heart disease than BMI.
  • Individuals with a 'normal' BMI but large waistlines showed a higher risk of heart disease.
  • Some individuals classified as obese with smaller waistlines did not show an increased heart disease risk.
  • BMI is calculated using a formula based on height and weight.
  • A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is classified as normal weight.
  • A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight.
  • A BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese.
  • The American Medical Association recommends using BMI in conjunction with other factors like visceral fat, waist circumference, and genetic/metabolic factors.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAmerican Medical Association“Provides recommendations on using BMI alongside other health factors.”organizationJohns Hopkins“The institution where the researchers conducted the study.”other25“Lower threshold for the overweight BMI category.”other260,000“Number of people included in the study data.”other30“Lower threshold for the obese BMI category.”