Bigger Waist, Slower Steps? New Study Says Yes

A new study published in Aging (Aging-US), sheds light on the relationship between body shape and physical performance. The research reveals that individuals with higher waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height (WHtR) ratios are more likely to exhibit poorer physical function, raising concerns about long-term mobility and independence as people age.

The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults aged 18 to 98 years. These participants took part in the Longevity Check-up 8+ project, a large-scale Italian health initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles and assess cardiovascular risk.

Researchers assessed participants' waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratios and evaluated their physical performance using the five-repetition chair stand test a widely used measure of lower-body strength and mobility. “Among 10690 participants (mean age 57.0 ± 14.8 y; 54% females), men exhibited higher waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio and a higher prevalence of abnormal values (61% and 71%),” the authors noted.

The study found that individuals with elevated waist ratios took significantly longer to complete the chair stand test, suggesting impaired physical function. This correlation remained strong even after accounting for lifestyle and cardiovascular factors. Waist to height ratio emerged as the more reliable predictor of poor performance across various age and gender groups.

Researchers highlight the waist-to-height ratio as a practical, low-cost tool that could be used in clinical and community health settings to identify those at risk of functional decline.

Reference: Martone AM, Levati E, Ciciariello F, Galluzzo V, Salini S, Calvani R, Marzetti E, Landi F. Impact of waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios on physical performance: insights from the Longevity Check-up 8+ project. Aging (Albany NY). 2025 May 30; 17:1375-1385 . https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206260