The bigger your waist, the more likely you are to die younger.
Scientific Claim
An increase in waist circumference is quantitatively associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in adult humans.
Original Statement
“Every 4 cm added to your waist size was linked to an 8% higher risk of dying early for men and 12% for women.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (3)
This study found that people with bigger waistlines had a higher chance of dying from any cause, and the bigger the waist, the higher the risk — exactly what the claim says.
This study found that people with bigger waistlines who have pacemakers were more likely to die sooner than those with smaller waists, which supports the idea that a bigger waist means higher risk of dying from any cause.
This study found that women who gained weight around their waist over six years were more likely to die sooner, even if they were otherwise thin. So yes, a bigger waist over time is linked to higher death risk.