as this study shows, BMI is a useful measure despite its limitations, however others have preferred waist-to-hip ratio as a better health risk metric.

waist-to-hip-ratio is actually simpler to measure and calculate than BMI.

Here’s how from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-is-waist-to-hip-...

Measure waist at the smallest point. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at the smallest point, usually around your belly button. This is your waist circumference.

Measure hips by wrapping the tape measure around your hips at the widest part. This is your hip circumference.

Divide your waist size by your hip size. This is your waist-to-hip ratio. A good rule of thumb is that your waist should be smaller than your hips, no matter your weight or BMI.

WHO defines abdominal obesity in men as a waist-to-hip ratio of at least 0.90. For women, it’s a ratio of 0.85 or more. A ratio higher than 1.0 for either sex means a much higher chance of health problems.

TFA mentions waist-to-hip but doesn't assess it: "We were not able to accurately capture co-morbidities. We were also unable to compare other anthropometric indices, such as waist-to-hip ratio with corresponding DXA measurements, due to lack of hip circumference data."

more from WebMD:

Too much fat around your waist is known as abdominal obesity. This fat is called visceral fat because it surrounds your liver and other organs. This can affect both men and women, but men are more likely to have too much fat around the waist. Women are more likely to carry fat around their hips and thighs.

Visceral fat sends hormones, fatty acids, and other chemicals that cause inflammation into your body. This leads to higher cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose. It also leads to higher levels of triglycerides, a type of fat, in your blood.

Fat around your waist can make you more likely to have other health problems, including: Heart disease, Cancer, Stroke, Type 2 diabetes