Waist Size is a Better Predictor of Health, Especially in Heart Patients

Research studies and health experts have long predicted that waist size is a better way to estimate heart disease and mortality risk than body mass index (BMI). Now a new review article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology adds to the list of evidence in favor of measuring waist size. The article, which reviews and analyzes results from several major studies, declares that waist size provides a far more accurate way to predict a heart patient's chances of dying at an early age from a heart attack or other causes.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic analyzed data from just under 16,000 heart patients who had participated in previous studies. More than one-third of the patients died during the studies, which lasted from six months to eight years. The researchers found that heart patients with a high ratio of waist-to-hip circumference or a large waist size (greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men) were 70 percent more likely to die during the study period than those with smaller waists. The combination of a large waist and a high BMI upped the risk of death even more, indicating that overall body weight does play a part, although it’s to a lesser extent. In order to keep your waistline down, aim to exercise or be active on most days of the week.

Coutinho, et al. (2011). Central obesity and survival in subjects with coronary artery disease: A systematic review of the literature and collaborative analysis with individual subject data.  Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 57 :1877-1886