If your waist is wider than your hips, you are more at risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A new international survey shows that most Americans are unaware that excess abdominal fat may set the stage for high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, and hypertension.
Endocrinologists explain that fat cells deposited around the waist may pump out chemicals that can impair the body's ability to make enough, or to properly use, insulin.
A high-risk waistline is more than 35 inches for women, more than 40 inches for men. Studies suggest that fat stored in the legs, hips and thighs poses no increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
E-mail 
Print 
Discuss | Text Size: 
