Waist Fat May Raise Heart and Liver Disease Risk

Weight gain is often linked to various health problems, but experts say where fat accumulates in the body can be just as important as overall weight.

According to Dr Pankaj Puri, director of gastroenterology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Okhla, fat around the waist can pose significant risks to vital organs, particularly the heart and liver.

Visceral Fat Considered More Harmful

Doctors explain that fat stored in the abdominal area is known as visceral fat, which develops deep inside the abdominal cavity.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just under the skin and is often considered mainly a cosmetic concern, visceral fat surrounds internal organs. This type of fat is associated with a higher risk of conditions such as heart disease and fatty liver disease.

Dr Puri noted that increasing waist size can be an important warning sign for metabolic-associated liver disease and coronary heart disease.

BMI Alone May Not Reveal the Full Risk

Traditionally, health experts have relied on the Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight.

However, specialists say BMI does not always reflect fat distribution in the body. Some individuals may have a normal BMI but still carry higher levels of visceral fat.

This condition is sometimes referred to as “skinny fat,” where a person appears slim but still has unhealthy fat levels around internal organs.

Measuring Waist Size Can Help Identify Risk

Doctors recommend monitoring waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio as additional indicators of health risk.

To measure waist circumference, experts suggest placing a measuring tape midway between the lower ribs and the hip bone while standing upright.

The measurement can help determine whether a person may face increased health risks linked to abdominal fat.

WHO Guidelines for Health Risk

According to guidance used for Asian populations, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies waist-to-hip ratio risk levels as follows:

Women

• Low risk: 0.80 or lower

• Moderate risk: 0.81–0.85

• High risk: 0.86 or higher

Men

• Low risk: 0.95 or lower

• Moderate risk: 0.96–1.0

• High risk: 1.0 or higher

Experts say measurements above these levels may indicate a greater likelihood of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular problems.

Early Awareness Can Help Reduce Health Risks

Doctors advise people to pay attention to increasing waist size and adopt healthier lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise and routine medical check-ups.

Medical professionals also emphasise that waist measurements should be considered alongside other health indicators for a more complete understanding of overall health.

Health experts encourage individuals to seek medical advice if they are concerned about weight gain or possible health risks.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.