BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk

BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk

Author: ABC Australia August 15, 2026 Duration: 44:49
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease. A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being trialled in the hope it will provide faster and more accurate results to help detect and treat iron deficiencies. We follow up on our earlier story about the lack of access to medical abortion services for women in rural and remote areas. Guest/s Dr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular Disease Emily Eriksson, Senior Research Officer in immunology and infectious diseases, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Dr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine References JACC: Risk Reclassification Beyond BMI by Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio Across 9 Cardiovascular Outcomes: Results From the Cross-Cohort Collaboration BMJ: Longitudinal trends and characteristics of medication abortion provision in Australian general practice: a national open-cohort study using Medicine Insight, 2014 to 2021 Nature: First poo transplant to treat food allergy in people has ‘exciting’ results Eli Lilly CEO still wants deal to bring Mounjaro to Australia under PBS Trump signs order to reduce childhood vaccines and break up MMR shots

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Markers of irritable bowel syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
A new review suggests there may be biomarkers linked to irritable bowel syndrome, typically a diagnosis of exclusion. How you get followed up after going to the doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer is shaped in part by w…
What do we know about brain fog in menopause? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Two thirds of women report concerns over memory loss, concentration or other cognitive symptoms during menopause. What do we understand about what's going on, and how can it be managed? A new plan for improving asthma ou…
Can ChatGPT Health tell when you should go to hospital? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
Can you trust the advice ChatGPT Health gives about whether you should go to the hospital or not? Who is using GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how common are they? New guidelines for supporting young people with suicidal ide…
Treating a medical emergency ... in space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:27
When a medical emergency happens in space, how is it treated? And what does life in Antarctica have to teach us about staying healthy on a spaceflight? Findings from a large study of Australian teenagers find links betwe…
What to expect this flu season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:02
Which flu strains are likely to be dominant this flu season - and what's the story with the new nasal spray vaccine? Speaking of sprays ... there's a simple saline spray that might help kids with sleep apnoea avoid surge…
3D printing in healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:18
3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool - with scope to apply it to engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design challenges. And it's increasingly being used in ... healthcare. Plus, Kylie and…
Ultra-processed foods and behaviour in kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
There's been major buzz in recent years over ultra-processed foods and whether they may be harmful to our health. A new study out of Canada has measured what toddlers eat and how much of it is ultra-processed - and then…
MDMA therapy's side effects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
MDMA psychotherapy was approved in Australia three years ago. Who's using it and what do we know about treatment side effects? Vaccine reminders can help nudge people back on track, but how the message is framed matters.…
Are Australian kids eating too much salt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
Are Australian schoolkids eating too much salt? And does it put them at risk of high blood pressure? A new approach to breast cancer screening based on risk could reduce the number of screens needed for some women. There…
Can AI chatbots be good therapists? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:14
We know many people are turning to generative AI for health advice, including tips on how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood. When is it safe to turn to a chatbot, and when do you need to see a real human being? And…