Story perspectives

Belly Fat Surpasses BMI in Predicting Heart Failure Risk

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The study presented at the American Heart Association's EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 finds belly fat better predicts heart failure risk than BMI.
Researchers tracked about 2,000 adults for a median 6.9 years, with waist circumference raising heart failure risk by 31% and waist-to-height ratio by 27%.
Inflammation accounted for 25–33% of the link between belly fat and heart failure.
The findings support adding waist measurements to preventive care.

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Story summary

The study presented at the American Heart Association's EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 finds belly fat better predicts heart failure risk than BMI.
Researchers tracked about 2,000 adults for a median 6.9 years, with waist circumference raising heart failure risk by 31% and waist-to-height ratio by 27%.
Inflammation accounted for 25–33% of the link between belly fat and heart failure.
The findings support adding waist measurements to preventive care.