Meet Your New Predictor of Heart Disease:
The Tape Measure
Findings presented at the annual conference of the American College of Cardiology in Atlanta suggest that your weight measurement is a better predictor of future heart disease than your weight or body mass index (BMI).
6,000 family practice doctors conducted the study in 63 countries; the physicians measured the waists of patients seen over a two and a half day period - 168,000 people involved.
The findings were significant in both men and women. In men, the study found the risk of heart disease increased 21-40 percent for every five and a half inches (14.9 cm) in waist measurement. The risk increased by the same amount in women for every waist measurement increase of five and three-quarter inches (14.9 cm).
Researchers concluded that the type of fat and where it accumulates is a more important predictor than the total amount of fat in the body. The type of fat deposited in the abdomen - causing an expanding waistline, secretes toxins into the bloodstream. This raises cholesterol and increases the body's resistance to insulin.
The researchers explained that American football players weighing over 300 pounds would probably be considered obese by traditional weight and BMI standards. Because they carry most of their weight as muscle and have smaller waist measurements, they are considered at low risk for heart disease - despite their heavy weights.
The findings place an even higher emphasis on exercise in preventing heart disease. So, work your abs; you'll look better in your bathing suit this summer and you'll be doing your heart good, too.
This article is intended for general information only and is not intended to replace information from your dietitian or doctor.
