People should focus more on belly fat rather than BMI to tackle obesity, experts say
Obesity has become a widespread disease in recent years. When someone is obese or still in the green zone, it is often determined by the renowned Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures the ratio of body weight to height. However, scientists have discovered that this measurement should no longer be the sole standard for assessing obesity. According to the scientists, mental problems and the amount of belly fat also play a central role in the diagnosis of the chronic disease, the Volkskrant reports.
According to Gijs Goossens, professor of cardiometabolic physiology of obesity at Maastricht UMC, the BMI is almost obsolete. He finds that abdominal fat is much better suited to predicting health problems.
Fat is an organ, just like our heart or brain. Goossens explains that the cells in our abdominal fat store any excess calories we consume. If we consume too many calories and thus gain weight, the abdominal fat cells expand like a balloon, and our stomach grows, and so does the abdominal fat.
If this process happens regularly, it can have serious consequences. "When the fat cells are overloaded with stored fat, nothing more can be added. With each meal, more dietary fat remains in the bloodstream and finds its way to the liver, muscles, and heart. This can lead to a fatty liver, blood sugar disorders, and heart problems," the professor tells the Volkskrant.
For those who want to check the state of their health, measuring the waist circumference in relation to your height is a good indicator, says Goossens.
Despite the new findings that belly fat is more ideal for predicting health problems, the professor emphasizes that BMI should not be thrown overboard. Ultimately, it remains an important measure for screening for obesity.
The fact is, the professor and other experts are interested in the combination of the two measurements. "A combination of a BMI over 25 and too much abdominal fat can already be a reason to start treatment. Incidentally, this always involves adjusting your lifestyle first, as this can achieve a lot," he tells the newspaper.
