The BBC reported today that one of the biggest risks to your health is belly fat and fat around the waist. USA studies report that women and men who have large waists have increased risk of dying young. And this is regardless of their BMI. To add to this if you have a very high waist measurement, which is UK size 24 – 26, the risk of early motality is doubled.
Dr David Haslam National Obesity Forum quotes “Even if you have a normal BMI and a big tummy then you are just as much at risk as someone who is classified as obese with a large tummy” He also said "This underlines the message that fat inside the belly is dangerous.”
For the study researchers tracked over 100,000 men and women aged 50 and older over nine years.
More importanyly for beflattered.com readers the study also found that in women the link between a larger waist and a higher risk of death was strongest for those of normal weight.
Read our articles related to this and what can be done:
How Your Body Shape Can Affect your Health
Thickening Waist Line and Belly Fat