This is because BMI does not account for how fat is distributed in the body.
Body mass index can be calculated by comparing height to weight.
When used alone, a BMI measurement is not especially accurate at predicting health and heart disease risk.
Hugo Lin / Verywell
Used in conjunction with waist circumference, it provides a clearer picture.
It uses weight and height to try and estimate body fat.
BMI calculations may, for example, overestimate body fat in athletes or in older people.
Causes of a High Waist Circumference
A larger waist circumference is often because of intra-abdominal visceral fat.
Visceral fat is fat that develops between and around internal organs.
This bang out of fat is deep within the abdomen and is considered to have very high inflammatory activity.
Fat cells were once thought to function solely as energy storage.
However, it is now known they also secrete hormones.
They play a part in response to infection, inflammation, and injury, among other things.
They also secrete both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances.
Inflammation may be a major factor in the onset of diabetes.
Fat cells secrete adiponectin, a protein hormonewhich improves insulin sensitivityand lowers the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes.
However, less adiponectin is produced as fat cells increase.
Chronically elevated levels cause your body to deposit more visceral fat in the abdomen.
A Word From Verywell
There are many measures of overall health and wellness.
Waist circumference happens to be just one.
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