Latest news with #MalmöPreventiveProject
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Simple test at home may predict heart failure risk better than BMI
The new test could fix the issues with BMI and only takes a few seconds Obesity is well-known risk factor for heart problems and heart failure. However, the current measurement used to determine obesity and heart failure risk, the Body Mass Index or BMI, also has well-known limitations. Scientists have now discovered an alternative test that can be easily conducted at home using just a measuring tape. And it could provide a more accurate prediction of your risk of heart failure. This method utilises the waist-to-height ratio. Simply measure your waist and your height and then compare the two figures. The researchers behind the new study, presented at the Heart Failure 2025 conference in Serbia this week, said the ideal waist measurement should be less than half of your height measurement. For instance, if you are 5ft 10ins (equivalent to 70ins), your waist measurement should be under 35ins to reduce your risk of heart failure. A measurement above 35ins could indicate a higher risk and suggest that you may need assistance in preventing heart failure. Worryingly, the majority of people in the study were above this recommended mark. It is crucial to accurately measure your waist when conducting this test. According to NHS guidelines, you should start by locating your lowest rib and the highest part of your hip bone on your side. Aim for the midpoint between these two points, which will typically align with your belly button. This is where the measuring tape should wrap around. Breathe out naturally and relax your stomach muscles when taking your measurement. Study presenter Dr Amra Jujic, from Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, has shed light on the limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of obesity: "BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity, and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. Waist-to-height ratio is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs." She further elaborated on the relationship between waist-to-height ratio and heart failure: "In addition, whereas BMI is associated with paradoxically good heart failure outcomes with high BMI, this is not seen with waist-to-height ratio. We conducted this analysis to investigate the relationship between waist-to-height ratio and the development of heart failure." The NHS provides a handy calculator for this test that offers precise figures and guidance on your waist size. It advises: "Slowly working towards a lower waist size can help prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure." The research involved close to 2,000 individuals from the Malmö Preventive Project, with a third having normal blood sugar levels, another third with impaired levels, and the remaining third suffering from diabetes. The findings were stark, revealing that participants with the highest waist-to-height ratios had "a significantly higher risk of heart failure" when compared to others in the study. Alarmingly, the average ratio across all participants was still above the recommended threshold. Dr John Molvin, from Lund University and Malmö University Hospital, Sweden, a co-author of the study, observed: "The median waist-to-height ratio in our analysis was considerably higher than 0.5, the cut-off for increased cardiometabolic risk. Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal. "We discovered that the waist-to-height ratio was a significant predictor of incident heart failure and our findings suggest that this ratio may be a more effective metric than BMI for identifying patients with heart failure who could benefit from obesity therapies. Our next step is to explore whether the waist-to-height ratio predicts incident heart failure and other cardiometabolic disorders in a larger cohort."
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The simple 10-second test that can reveal your risk of heart failure – and all you need is a measuring tape
WE'RE a nation obsessed with weight. And it's no wonder, with GPs forever urging us to step on the 1 Belly fat has a bigger impact on heart health than overall body size, scientists say Credit: Getty For years, heart failure risk has been tied to obesity and body mass index ( But now, scientists say your waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) could be a better measure and a more accurate way to predict your risk. Heart failure is when the heart isn't able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs . Symptoms include extreme tiredness, Read more on heart failure If left untreated, heart failure can worsen over time and become life-threatening Swedish researchers say it's not how much you weigh, but where you carry the fat that truly affects your risk of the condition. The team from Lund University found that belly fat has a bigger impact on heart health than overall body size. This adds to growing evidence that we should drop BMI and focus on WtHR instead, which is found by dividing your waist measurement by your height. Most read in Health Ideally, your waist should be less than half your height. Which when calculated should come between 0.4 to 0.49. So, for example, if you're 5ft 8in (173cm), your waist should be under 34 inches (86cm) to stay in the healthy range. The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for Belly fat has already been more strongly linked to serious illnesses like other heart diseases, The new findings were presented at the in Belgrade, Serbia on May 18. Dr Amra Jujic from Lund University, who presented the study said: 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. "Waist-to-height ratio is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs.' The study tracked 1,792 people aged 45 to 73 for over 12 years as part of the Malmö Preventive Project. Participants had either normal blood sugar, prediabetes, or diabetes. Over the study period, 132 went on to develop heart failure. The researchers found that people with a higher waist-to-height ratio were significantly more likely to develop heart failure, regardless of their overall weight. Those with the highest waist-to-height ratios, around 0.65, were 2.7 times more likely to get the disease than everyone else, regardless of their weight. How to measure your waist To get an accurate waist measurement, you should only measure it in the morning, before you've had your first meal. Start by standing up straight, taking a few deep breaths in and out, and then relax. Find the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your ribcage, then measure around the part of your waist in between. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, and keep it level around your body. Breathe out normally, and check the measurement then. It sound only take a few seconds. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended levels for waist circumference - defined as less than 88cm (35ins) for women and 102cm (40ins) for men. Source: WHO
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The simple 10-second test that can reveal your risk of heart failure – and all you need is a measuring tape
A simple rule of thumb for a healthy ratio is to keep your waist measurement to less than half of your height GET CHECKED The simple 10-second test that can reveal your risk of heart failure – and all you need is a measuring tape Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'RE a nation obsessed with weight. And it's no wonder, with GPs forever urging us to step on the scales. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Belly fat has a bigger impact on heart health than overall body size, scientists say Credit: Getty For years, heart failure risk has been tied to obesity and body mass index (BMI), the standard calculation used by the NHS that compares your weight to your height. But now, scientists say your waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) could be a better measure and a more accurate way to predict your risk. Heart failure is when the heart isn't able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, breathlessness, and swollen legs or ankles. If left untreated, heart failure can worsen over time and become life-threatening Swedish researchers say it's not how much you weigh, but where you carry the fat that truly affects your risk of the condition. The team from Lund University found that belly fat has a bigger impact on heart health than overall body size. This adds to growing evidence that we should drop BMI and focus on WtHR instead, which is found by dividing your waist measurement by your height. Ideally, your waist should be less than half your height. Which when calculated should come between 0.4 to 0.49. So, for example, if you're 5ft 8in (173cm), your waist should be under 34 inches (86cm) to stay in the healthy range. The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for Belly fat has already been more strongly linked to serious illnesses like other heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers than overall body weight. The new findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's scientific congress in Belgrade, Serbia on May 18. Dr Amra Jujic from Lund University, who presented the study said: 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. "Waist-to-height ratio is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs.' The study tracked 1,792 people aged 45 to 73 for over 12 years as part of the Malmö Preventive Project. Participants had either normal blood sugar, prediabetes, or diabetes. Over the study period, 132 went on to develop heart failure. The researchers found that people with a higher waist-to-height ratio were significantly more likely to develop heart failure, regardless of their overall weight. Those with the highest waist-to-height ratios, around 0.65, were 2.7 times more likely to get the disease than everyone else, regardless of their weight. How to measure your waist To get an accurate waist measurement, you should only measure it in the morning, before you've had your first meal. Start by standing up straight, taking a few deep breaths in and out, and then relax. Find the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your ribcage, then measure around the part of your waist in between. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, and keep it level around your body. Breathe out normally, and check the measurement then. It sound only take a few seconds. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended levels for waist circumference - defined as less than 88cm (35ins) for women and 102cm (40ins) for men. Source: WHO
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Your waist size matters. Study says, it can predict heart failure
For years, the risk of heart failure has been primarily linked to obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI). However, a new study presented at Heart Failure 2025 suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a more accurate indicator. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden found that fat distribution—specifically around the waist—has a greater impact on heart health than overall body weight, highlighting the need to shift focus from BMI to body fat placement. Also read | Cardiac surgeon reveals why controlling high blood pressure is the 1st step to preventing heart failure The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's scientific congress in Belgrade, Serbia on May 18. Dr. Amra Jujic from Lund University, who presented the study said, 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. Waist-to-height ratio is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs.' The study was conducted on 1,792 participants from the Malmö Preventive Project for a median of 12.6 years, within the age range of 45 to 73 years. Individuals were selected on the basis of equal thirds having normal blood glucose levels, impaired fasting glucose, or diabetes. During the course of the study, 132 participants developed heart failure. When probed, it was observed that the waist-to-height ratio had a significant impact on heart health risk. Also read | Cardiologist shares 10 things he does every day to lower heart disease risk: 10,000 steps to start the day with protein Explaining what an ideal waistline should be for optimal heart health, study co-author Dr. John Molvin from Lund University and Malmö University Hospital said, 'Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal.' The researchers concluded that measuring waist circumference during routine blood pressure checkups should become standard practice, as it provides valuable insight into body fat distribution. They emphasized that where fat is stored in the body plays a crucial role in heart health—often more so than total body weight. These findings could potentially revolutionize the approach to obesity treatment, shifting the focus from weight alone to fat location and its health impact. Also read | Waist size in men could better predict risk of cancer than BMI, finds study: 'Extra 4 inches increased cancer risk by…' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
