A new scientific study has shown that waist circumference helps detect hidden visceral fat and more accurately assess health risks, reports infohub.kz.
The traditional body mass index does not always reflect a person's true health status. Researchers found that measuring waist circumference provides much more precise data on the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies and type 2 diabetes. Even at a normal weight, the accumulation of fat deposits around the abdomen poses a serious threat to the body.
The cause of health problems is visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral deposits release active chemicals and hormones that trigger chronic inflammatory processes. This negatively affects liver function, the vascular system, and disrupts cells' sensitivity to insulin.
The authors of the study recommend that doctors and health-conscious individuals use a simple tape measure alongside BMI calculation. Monitoring waist size allows for timely detection of negative changes in the body and lifestyle adjustments before dangerous symptoms appear.