I read an interesting article on CNN Health this morning about how to tell if you’re likely to develop heart disease. Carrying extra weight around the waist is not good news for your heart, which makes sense.

But the information that really surprised me was the section that read, “Even if people are not overweight, those with larger waistlines are more likely to show the early signs of heart disease than those with smaller waists.” Based on research done at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, there is a link between waist size and early signs of heart disease, no matter how much you weigh.

While most of us will never have the 18-inch waist of Scarlett O’Hara (remember the scene in Gone with the Wind when her maid is squeezing Scarlett into her corset?), U.S. government guidelines recommend that women have a maximum waist size of 35 inches, and men a maximum of 40 inches.

For information on how to lose that extra fat in your mid-section, check out this article.

Comments (2)

	1. 05-12-2007 12:42
	Gone are the days when BMI is one of the most efficient ways to analyze health and predict the risk for certain weight/health related conditions and diseases. Because this formula doesn't take muscle into account, two individuals of the same weight and height would have the same BMI - - even if one has 40% body fat and the other has 10%.   Now, experts are saying that waist size (specifically waist to hip ratio) is a better method, as belly fat has been shown to be the most dangerous. Watch your waist! Guest

Natty13

	2. 10-12-2007 22:07
	Great advice. I've found that low-fat dairy products really help keep my waist small (and my digestive system in check!) Guest

Melissa

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Homepage
Title:
BBCode:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved