New Study Reinforces CardiAction’s Focus on Waist Circumference Over BMI in Assessing Cardiovascular Risk

Posted on
March 4, 2025

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has further validated the importance of waist circumference (WC) as a superior indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to body mass index (BMI). This aligns with CardiAction’s longstanding emphasis on incorporating WC as a core biometric in our health assessments.

Key Highlights

·      Waist circumference is a stronger predictor of CVD risk than BMI

·      Higher WWI (Weight-Adjusted Waist Index) linked to a 28% increased risk of CVD

·      BMI does not account for fat distribution, making it a weaker risk indicator

·      CardiAction integrates waist circumference in its model for a more accurate risk assessment

·      Latest research supports our commitment to evidence-based cardiovascular screening

Study Highlights

The study investigated the association between weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) and the incidence of CVD and all-cause mortality. Findings revealed that:

•            Individuals with higher WWI had a 28% increased risk of developing CVD

•            Higher WWI was also associated with a 25% higher risk of all-cause mortality

•            These associations persisted even after adjusting for traditional risk factors, reinforcing the importance of abdominal obesity in assessing health risks (Read the study).

Limitations of BMI

BMI has been widely used as a measure of general obesity, but it fails to account for fat distribution. Studies have shown that abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, is more strongly linked to cardiovascular risk than overall body weight.

CardiAction’s Approach

At CardiAction, we have always recognised that BMI is an outdated and less accurate measure of CVD risk. Instead, our model prioritises waist circumference, which has been consistently proven to be a better indicator of cardiovascular health. This ensures that individuals with higher abdominal fat are accurately identified and can receive targeted interventions to reduce their risk.

Conclusion

The latest research confirms that waist circumference is a superior metric for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. CardiAction continues to lead the way in evidence-based health screening, ensuring that individuals receive the most accurate and relevant insights into their cardiovascular health.

For more updates on cardiovascular screening and heart health, visit our CardiAction News page.

Paul Beaver (PhD)
Founder and Director
,
3P Healthcare Pty Ltd and CardiAction
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