Weight Loss and Wellness

Harvard Medical School researchers have found that women who have large bellies may have twice the risk of heart disease and stroke as those women with smaller waists.

According a study published in the April 1, 2008 issue of Circulation, obese women also had a 63% higher risk of cancer than slim women. These findings held true regardless of weight and body mass index.

Researchers followed 44,000 women for 16 years to obtain these statistics. They compared women who had waist sizes of more than 35 inches to women with waists less than 28 inches.

This study adds more evidence to the fact that it’s not how much you weigh but where you carry your weight that determines your level of health. “Apple-shaped” people are at a much higher risk for clogged arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer than “pear-shaped” people.

The abdominal fat that gives people an “apple shape” seems to release hormones that cause inflammation, raise cholesterol levels and increase insulin resistance - all unhealthy effects. Fat stored in the buttocks, arms and legs seems to be less likely to cause these problems.

In my experience, I can predict (with 80% reliability) who has high bad cholesterol, low good cholesterol and high glucose levels based upon their body type.

The bottom line? Even if your weight and body mass index is considered “normal”, if you are a woman with a waist size of more than 35 inches, you need to lose weight. Consider joining a program such as Weight Watchers. If you are looking for a more individualized plan, consider the Zindaagi Weight Loss Program.