Beyond BMI: Waist Size Is the Better Measure of Health
About this Capsule
BMI mislabels healthy people, fuels body image problems, and steers health policy in the wrong direction. The case here is that waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio predict real risks like heart disease and diabetes far better, because belly fat matters more than total weight. Measuring your waist instead gives you and your doctor a more honest, less stigmatizing read on your health.
This capsule argues that BMI is an outdated and inaccurate measure that fuels body image problems and misguides health policies. Instead, it champions waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio as better indicators of health risks like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Adopting these measures can improve public health messaging, reduce stigma, and lead to more effective, inclusive policies.
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