Extra Belly Fat, Not BMI, a Stronger Predictor of Heart Failure Risk

New research has found that extra abdominal fat is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart failure. Excess belly fat contributes to systemic inflammation, which endangers cardiovascular health.

💉 A guide to GLP-1s. Here's what changes in appetite, weight, and side effects typically look like after 30 days — and what comes next. March 21, 2026   TODAY'S TOP STORY Extra Belly Fat, Not BMI, a Stronger Predictor of Heart Failure Risk READ ON   This Hospital Worker Had 3 Attacks in 4 Days. 'Listening' to His Body May Have Saved His Life READ ON   What's Causing My Fatigue and Loss of Appetite? READ ON   How to Wear Makeup If You Have Eczema READ ON MORE STORIES PRODUCT PICK Organic Meal Delivery: 8 of the Best Tested and Ranked   Our testers tried the 8 best organic meal delivery services to make healthy meal planning simple. SHOP NOW TODAY'S RESOURCE Reduce Your Risk of STIs   There are many steps you can take before and after sex to help protect your sexual health. Join our Sexual Health newsletter to download our free guide! SIGN UP NOW What we're reading next • Ideal Daily Step Count: Weight Loss, Fitness Level, and Tips for More Steps • What Causes Heart Murmurs? • Everything You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids and Ulcerative Colitis • Which Weed Strains Are Highest in THC? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message at newsletters@healthline.com to let us know what else you'd like to see. Until then, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. © 2026 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707