体重指数（BMI）一直是确定一个人超重还是肥胖的主要标准之一。It was developed as a relatively easy screening tool, but it’s far from a perfect measurement.Recently, BMI has drawn criticism as to whether it’s an accurate assessment of health. For example, a high BMI does not take into account muscle mass and other critical factors that may impact health.
“ BMI是对身体成分的间接度量，这意味着它实际上并未测量脂肪，而是根据身高和体重来计算脂肪，”体育营养师Marie Spano，一位经过认证的力量和调理专家RD说：“一个高肌肉的人质量可以归类为肥胖或体内脂肪高的人，体重低的人可能患有正常的BMI但不健康的脂肪。”
Recently, many health practitioners are turning to waist-circumference measurements to help predict future disease risk. Waist circumference has been shown to be more reflective of visceral (deep) fat levels and future health risks such as the development of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
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Manuel Villacorta, RD, author of the upcoming book “Flat Belly 365”BMI有个人经验不准确：“作为一个短暂的，肌肉发达的人，我曾经被我的BMI的护士告诉我我超重。”对于自己和他的客户，他更喜欢使用腰围来监测健康。
WAIST MANAGEMENT LEADS TO BETTER HEALTH
As we learn more about the dangerous role excess levels of visceral fat play in the body, tracking and monitoring changes in waist circumference is becoming more critical to disease prevention. The increased visceral fat coats internal organs like a blanket. Although this fat provides stored energy, it can also secrete inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which can trigger bodywide inflammation, increasing disease risk.
Although everyone should be aware of their own waist circumference measurement, individuals who have a BMI within the normal range may stand to benefit from tracking this measurement the most. “People who have a normal BMI may carry a good amount of their weight in their stomach which increases their risk for chronic diseases,” says Spano. For men, waist-circumference levels should be below 40 inches, and for women it should be below 35 inches. Even if your waist is within the normal range, you should monitor it for changes over time. A widening waistline may highlight an increased risk for disease.
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If you need to reduce your waist circumference, dietary changes are in order: Fill up on produce, whole grains and healthy plant-based fats to help shed visceral fat. “It does not matter how much you exercise, nutrition is 80% of the battle,” explainsVillacorta, adding that, “focusing on nutrients and antioxidants that can fight inflammation caused by excess visceral fat and making sure you are eating to promote a healthy gut microbiome may help.”
To eat your way to a slimmer waistline, balance your meals by filling half of your plate with vegetables and fruit. Aim to eat a diet rich in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and tempeh to improve gut health and limit eating large amounts of inflammatory foods such as those rich in added sugars.
