Waist Size Tracks AF Risk, BMI Tracks Mortality in Older Adults
A Seoul National University Bundang Hospital team found that BMI, waist circumference and body roundness index had different associations with disease and mortality risks among adults aged 55 and older.
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The cardiology research team analyzed National Health Insurance Service data for about 1.2 million adults aged 55 and older and followed them for up to 10 years. Waist circumference had the closest association with atrial fibrillation, BMI with all-cause mortality, and body roundness index with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
One measure did not fit every outcome
The team compared three obesity measures: body mass index, waist circumference and body roundness index. Its findings indicate that evaluating obesity through BMI alone may not reflect the same risk relationships captured by abdominal size or body shape.
How to interpret the findings
The findings describe associations observed in adults aged 55 and older, rather than results from every age group. The research team published the study in PLOS One.
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