A Smarter Way to Identify Obesity Risk and Control Downstream Costs

When developing an obesity strategy, it is critical to accurately identify the population most at risk for downstream morbidity and cost. BMI is useful, but it is increasingly clear that more precise metrics are needed. The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) offers a stronger way to identify high-risk individuals by better reflecting central adiposity and fat distribution. Recent research shows that WWI outperforms BMI and other obesity indices in predicting cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in patients with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (Wang et al., 2025). By using more accurate measures like WWI, employers and health plans can better target interventions, invest in care models proven to deliver return, and reduce total cost of care, not just through price reductions, but through the correct application of resources.

Wang, T., Zhang, L., Chen, P., et al. (2026). Weight-adjusted waist index outperforms other obesity indices for cardiovascular disease prediction in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: Insights from UK Biobank. BMC Public Health, 26, 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-25830-2