Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Excess belly fat linked to higher risk of early death regardless of total body fat

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-09/b-ebf092220.php

News Release 23-Sep-2020
BMJ

Central fatness (excess fat stored around the abdomen) is associated with a higher risk of early death from any cause, regardless of overall body fat, whereas larger hips and thighs are associated with a lower risk, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

The results suggest that measuring central fatness may be a more reliable indicator of risk of death from excess weight, and could be used alongside body mass index to help determine the risk of premature death, say the researchers.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple measure widely used to assess people's weight. But its reliability is often criticised, as it does not distinguish fat from muscle and does not tell us where body fat is stored.

It is already well known that being overweight or obese is linked to a greater risk of heart disease, certain cancers, kidney disease, and neurological disorders.

•••••


No comments:

Post a Comment