Israeli researchers have introduced a novel metric to assess obesity more accurately than the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is gaining traction as a superior indicator of health risks, particularly heart disease.
BMI has significant limitations since it relies solely on weight and height, ignoring crucial factors such as body composition and fat distribution. As a result, it often misclassifies individuals, especially those with higher muscle mass or different body shapes.
The waist-to-height ratio offers a more comprehensive view of health risks. It considers abdominal fat, which is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Unlike BMI, WHtR accounts for variations in body shape and muscle mass.