A new study shows that the waist-to-height ratio is a better way to detect obesity risk in older adults than the commonly used Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers say BMI can sometimes give misleading results, especially for older people who may have less muscle mass.
As people age, fat often builds up around the stomach area. This type of fat, called visceral fat, is more harmful because it affects important organs like the heart and liver. The waist-to-height ratio focuses on this abdominal fat, making it a more accurate health indicator.
The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Sheffield and the University of Nottingham. They analysed health data from England collected between 2005 and 2021. The researchers compared BMI with waist-based measurements and found that the waist-to-height ratio gave clearer results for obesity risk.
Experts say the waist-to-height ratio is also easy to understand and use. People only need a measuring tape. A simple rule is: if your waist is less than half your height, your weight is likely in a healthy range.
The researchers also noted that rising obesity levels are not only due to personal habits. Changes in the food environment and lifestyle over time have played a big role. As the population gets older, obesity rates may increase further.
Doctors warn that relying only on BMI may cause obesity to be missed in many older adults. This could delay treatment and increase the risk of serious health problems. Using waist-to-height ratio more widely could help identify risks earlier and support better prevention and care.
