by: safefood nutrition team
A recent study in The Lancet, about using BMI, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio to predict risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), has received a lot of media attention. The study found that BMI, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, assessed singly or in combination, do not improve the prediction of heart disease risk when additional information is available on blood pressure, history of diabetes and cholesterol measures. While many media sources have taken this to mean that these anthropometric measures are unhelpful in indicating risk of CVD, the authors highlight that this is not the case and that still at a population level such measures of adiposity are helpful in promoting behaviour change and improving risk communication.
15 March 2011