
New research suggests the waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate indicator of obesity risk in older adults than the commonly used Body Mass Index (BMI). Studies indicate BMI can be misleading, particularly for older individuals or those with less muscle mass, as it doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle. The waist-to-height ratio better reflects visceral fat, which impacts vital organs. Researchers analyzed English health data from 2005-2021, finding wider use of the waist-to-height ratio could aid earlier identification of at-risk older adults, potentially easing the burden on the NHS.
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