Different Method To Measure Overweight In Metabolic Syndrome

Body mass index (BMI) is no doubt a good way to measure overweight. In 1947, however, it is found that being overweight was not the only factor that determined the risk of diabetes or heart disease. It was also important where the fat was deposited in the body.

According to studies, fat deposited around the tummy (abdominal fat) is more important as a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease than fat that is deposited elsewhere, for instance, the hips or the legs.

For two persons with exactly the same amount of fat in their bodies, the person who has more fat around the middle is at greater risk than the person who has more fat elsewhere.

For this reason, most definitions of the metabolic syndrome use the waist circumference instead of body mass index.