Dangers of obesity and belly fat

WE know that being obese is linked to greater incidence of heart health problems but is simply being overweight also a risk? Also, is belly fat somehow more of a risk than just being overweight?

Searching for answers, scientists in Norway and England examined 28 large studies and came up with some interesting results.

Examining 23 studies involving 647,388 people, they found that obesity increases the risk of heart health problems by two to three times compared to those who are at an ideal weight. There was no difference between men and women.

Examining 12 studies with 360,000 people, they found that waist measurements were a significant measurement. For every extra 10cm in waist measurements, they saw a 29% higher risk of heart failure.

Similarly, scientists from the Mayo clinic in the US tracked 15,000 people for 14 years and found that belly fat is also a significant risk factor.

These researchers examined people who are of normal weight but who have belly fat. Their study showed that the death rate for men with belly fat was double that for men who are obese. For women, the risk was 32% higher.

What does it mean? Simply put, looking at the scales and seeing you’re within the right weight zone or just over it doesn’t mean you’re home free when it comes to heart health problems.

Being overweight is a problem, and having a belly is bad.

Clearly the problem can be dealt with by adjusting your lifestyle. The standard advice is to eat more greens and fruit and to exercise more, however, sudden lifestyle changes can carry their own risks. So the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor who will assess your overall health and work out a plan for you that’s safe and effective.