Don't be fooled by a normal BMI! Now, your waist-to-height ratio will reveal the true health facts.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you think that a normal BMI means you are out of the risk of obesity? If you or your elders think so, then be careful. A new study has revealed that this most common method of measuring obesity can mislead the elderly. According to the study, 'Waist-to-Height Ratio', rather than BMI, is a more accurate and reliable measure for the true health of older people.

Why is waist-to-height ratio better?

The biggest drawback of BMI is that it doesn't accurately reflect the distribution of body fat . In contrast, the waist-to-height ratio better measures fat stored around the abdomen. Belly fat directly impacts vital organs and overall health. Therefore, this ratio is more effective in predicting the health of older adults.

What does research say?

This important information has emerged from research conducted by the Universities of Sheffield and Nottingham in the UK. Using data from the Health Survey for England, the researchers closely analyzed obesity trends between 2005 and 2021. Dr. Lara Gray and Dr. Magdalena Opazo Breton found that these obesity trends were primarily driven by aging, environmental factors, and generational differences.

How can BMI be misleading?

Dr. Lara Gray explained the limitations of BMI, saying that this scale can be misleading, especially for older people. People often lose muscle mass as they age. In such cases, a normal BMI reading can lead older adults to believe they are not at risk of obesity, when in reality, they may be.

Timely care possible

Researchers believe that if the waist-to-height ratio is used more widely as a screening tool, it could help identify older adults at risk early. This would not only help detect the disease early but also provide timely and appropriate care.

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