Obesity in older adults: WHtR better than BMI for earlier detection
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London: Waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate and reliable indicator of age-related obesity risk than body mass index (BMI), PTI reported, citing new research.
As the UK's population ages, obesity and obesity-related diseases are placing a growing burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Researchers say wider use of the waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool could help identify at-risk older adults earlier and support timely preventive care.
Unlike BMI, which does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass, the waist-to-height ratio better reflects visceral fat -- fat stored around the abdomen that has a greater impact on vital organs and overall health.
The research from the Universities of Sheffield and Nottingham analysed trends in obesity in England between 2005 and 2021 using data from the Health Survey for England. Researchers examined BMI, the most commonly used measure of obesity, alongside other waist-related measures, including waist-to-height ratio.
Co-authors Dr Laura Gray from the University of Sheffield and Dr Magdalena Opazo-Breton from the University of Nottingham explored whether obesity trends were driven mainly by ageing, environmental factors, or generational differences.
Gray, from the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, said, “BMI is a really well-known and well-understood measure. However, it could be misleading people, particularly older people and those with less muscle mass, into thinking they are not at risk of obesity.
“Waist-to-height ratio is also a lot easier for people to understand and remember than more complex BMI categories, particularly in children. People can easily check their own risk with a measuring tape. If your waist is less than half your height, that's a good indicator you're at a healthy weight,” Gray said.
She said the findings show that increases in obesity have been largely driven by environmental changes over time, not just individual behaviours, which means a broader systemic action with policymakers is needed to address the food environment.