Abdominal fat linked to higher cardiovascular risk than BMI

Research indicates that abdominal fat may be a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than Body Mass Index (BMI) alone. A large-scale study involving over 259,000 adults suggests that individuals with high levels of belly fat face a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, even if their BMI falls within the normal range.

Professor Ulf Landmesser of the Charité Berlin emphasizes that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios are critical indicators of health risks that BMI can overlook. Approximately 5% of individuals with a normal BMI were found to have an increased waist circumference, while 18% showed an increased waist-to-hip ratio.

To combat visceral fat, fitness expert Ingo Froböse recommends a holistic approach. Key strategies include reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates in favor of whole grains, increasing protein intake for muscle maintenance, and consuming healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, a combination of endurance training and strength training, such as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), is suggested to effectively boost metabolism and reduce fat stores.