Many people associate excess weight with heart disease, but even individuals with a normal weight may be at risk.
New research presented by the American Heart Association in 2026 suggests that the distribution of body fat may be more important than overall body weight.
The study followed nearly 2,000 adults in the United States over approximately seven years. None had heart failure at the outset, but some developed it later.
The results showed that conventional measurements do not always identify the risk.
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Inflammation in the body
One key explanation lies in inflammation, a condition involving the body’s inflammatory response.
According to the American Heart Association, inflammation can damage both blood vessels and the heart over time.
In the study, individuals with higher levels of inflammation had a greater risk of developing heart failure.
The researchers estimate that this condition explains a large part of the link between body fat and disease.
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The abdomen is crucial
The researchers examined various measures such as BMI, waist circumference, and the ratio of waist to height.
Here, waist circumference showed the strongest association with heart failure.
Fat around the abdomen significantly increases the risk. This also applies to individuals who otherwise have a normal weight.
Therefore, measuring waist size may be a more effective tool for detecting risk early than relying on BMI alone.
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Sources: Science Daily, and American Heart Association.
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