Both doctors and the public often use BMI as a measure of health.
However, several researchers point out that BMI does not show where fat is located, and that detail may be crucial.
According to new research findings presented by the Radiological Society of North America, researchers have examined the link between abdominal fat and the structure of the heart.
The study was presented at the society’s annual meeting, which is internationally recognized and brings together leading experts in medical imaging.
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What the researchers found
The study included more than 2,200 adults aged between 46 and 78.
Using advanced MRI scans, the researchers were able to detect subtle changes in the heart that do not necessarily cause symptoms.
The results showed that people with a high amount of fat around the abdomen had thicker heart muscles and smaller heart chambers.
According to Jennifer Erley of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, who led the study, this may be a sign of early strain on the heart.
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She told Healthline that this type of change can make it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently over time.
What it means in practice
External experts such as Mir Ali and Kevin Shah explained to Healthline that fat surrounding the organs increases inflammation and affects blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The heart is particularly sensitive to these changes.
The World Health Organization already uses fixed thresholds for waist-to-hip ratio measurements.
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The findings raise the question of whether a simple measurement with a tape measure should play a larger role in future health check-ups.
Sources: Healthline, Radiological Society of North America, and the World Health Organization.
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