A person's waist size can reveal more about their heart health than their weight.

A study found that waist measurements can identify potential heart risks that may be missed when using BMI alone.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 260,000 adults in 15 long-term health studies over 20 years.

A study found that waist measurements can identify potential heart risks that may be missed when using BMI.

Researchers say BMI is not the best way to measure obesity.

The study, published in a medical journal, found that some people with a normal BMI still had high levels of belly fat.

People with larger waist measurements or higher waist-to-hip ratios had a 15% to 50% greater risk of heart problems and death.

Looking at how weight is distributed may provide a more complete picture than BMI alone.

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A dietitian says BMI only shows weight relative to height, not where fat is stored, which is important.

Belly fat can pose different health concerns than fat stored elsewhere.

Larger waist sizes or higher waist-to-hip ratios were linked to a 15% to 50% higher risk of heart problems and death.

Where you carry fat matters more than how much you carry, because belly fat drives inflammation and artery damage.

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The research highlights why BMI alone may not show a person's full heart health picture.

Where you carry fat may matter more than the number on the scale.

The location of body fat may be more important than the overall amount. Belly fat can promote inflammation and harm blood vessels.

Researchers looked at several health outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes.

The study had limitations, including no information on physical activity or diet.

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The study only measured waist circumference once, limiting the ability to determine how changes in belly fat affect heart disease risk.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the Fox News Digital lifestyle team.