Men and women with large waists are more likely to die young and from illnesses like heart diseases, respiratory problems and cancer, a new study finds
Having a big belly has consequences more drastic than not being able to fit into your favorite pair of jeans. A new study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers found that people who have large waists are more likely to die early and from illnesses like heart diseases, respiratory problems and cancer, even after factors like smoking habits, BMI and alcohol use are accounted for. The level of risk is similar for both men and women and is persistent even when individuals have a healthy body mass index (BMI).
"BMI is not a perfect measure," said James Cerhan, lead author of the say and a Mayo Clinic epidemiologist, in a press statement. "It doesn't discriminate lean mass from fat mass, and it also doesn't say anything about where your weight is located. We worry about that because extra fat in your belly has a metabolic profile that is associated with diseases such as diabetes and heart disease."
The research examined 11 different cohort studies, including more than 600,000 people from around the world. They found that men who have a waist size of 43 inches and above were 50 percent more likely to die early than men who had a waist size of 35 inches and below, resulting in a three-year lower life expectancy after 40 years of age.
Women with a waist circumference of 37 inches or greater had about an 80 percent higher mortality risk than women with a waist circumference of 27 inches or less, translating to about a five-year lower life expectancy after 40.
Interestingly, this elevated mortality risk was similar across all BMIs and was prevalent even among individuals with normal BMI. This led researchers to suggest that both BMI and waist circumference should be considered as part of any risk assessment for obesity-related premature mortality.
Researchers also noted that every 2 inch increase in waist circumference increased mortality rates by 7 percent in men and 9 percent in women.
"The primary goal should be preventing both a high BMI and a large waist circumference," Dr. Cerhan said. "For those patients who have a large waist, trimming down even a few inches - through exercise and diet - could have important health benefits."
The findings of this new study support a 2010 study, which also found that bigger waist size increases health risks. Another 2003 ACS study of more than 900,000 men and women found the heaviest men had death rates from all cancers combined that were 52 percent higher than the rates among normal-weight men. The heaviest women had cancer death rates 62 percent higher than normal-weight women, the study found.
To deal with this problem, the American Cancer Society recommends that adults aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity 5 days a week or more. To get the most out of your diet, try to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day, choose whole grains over processed grains and limit red meat.
This study was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as part of the Cohort Consortium and included investigators from North American, Europe and Australia. Findings were published in the March edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
