Complementary Text:

Waist circumference is a more accurate predictor of health risk than BMI because it is a proxy for visceral fat. This deep abdominal fat releases free fatty acids and inflammatory markers directly into the portal vein, which carries blood to the liver, contributing to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Tracking your waist measurement provides a direct window into the metabolic activity of your most dangerous fat stores.

References:

Bacon, L., & Aphramor, L. (2011). Weight science: evaluating the evidence for a paradigm shift. Nutrition Journal.

Ross, R., et al. (2020). Waist circumference as a vital sign in clinical practice. Nature Reviews Endocrinology.