Curiously Awesome

A recent study has found that people with a higher waist-to-hip ratio are at higher risk of death.

The study was conducted using 359,387 participants over a 10 year period. Initial information included BMI (Body Mass Index) and the location of the excess weight on the body. The participants ranged in age from 25 to 70 years came from nine different European countries. At the end of the 10 year study 14,723 people had died.

The risk of death was at its lowest when the BMI was at 25.3 and 24.3 for men and women respectively. The risk of death increased as the BMI fell below these levels or rose above them. After adjustments it was realized that the waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio played a significant role in the risk of death. It appears that the belly fat could be implicated in the risk of death.

BMI levels were higher among participants who did not currently or had never smoked than it was for current and former smokers.

Even those in comparatively good health could suffer health issues due to belly fat. Maintaining a healthy BMI is a good preventative measure for better health.