Body mass index, waist circumference, and risk of coronary heart disease: a prospective study among men and women.

Summary: Your belt size might tell you just as much about your heart health as the scale does. In a massive study following over 69,000 men and women for 16 years, researchers found that carrying excess weight—whether measured by overall Body Mass Index (BMI) or specifically by waist size—significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Interestingly, waist measurement was a particularly strong predictor, with risks rising sharply for men with waists over 40 inches and women over 35 inches. The takeaway is clear: keeping both your weight and your waistline in check is vital for a healthy heart.