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A “spare tyre” of weight around the stomach is worse than being overweight, new research has found.
In a study of 15,184 men and women in the US with an average age of 45, scientists found that normal-weight people with extra fat around their middles had a worse survival record than those classed as overweight or obese.
Published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the study found that over a period of 14 years, men of normal weight carrying “spare tyres” were twice as likely to die as those defined as overweight or obese according to their Body Mass Index (BMI).
The damaging effect on women was slightly less pronounced but still increased their risk of death by up to 40 per cent.
Dr Francisco Lopez-Jiminez, the lead scientist on the US study from the Mayo Clinic, said the research shows “that normal-weight US adults with central obesity have the worst long-term survival compared with participants with normal fat distribution, regardless of BMI category, even after adjustment for potential mediators”.
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“Spare tyre” obesity has been connected with the accumulation of “visceral” fat around the internal organs, which the researchers highlighted is associated with insulin resistance and the risk of developing diabetes, higher levels of cholesterol and blood fats, and inflammation.
“Our findings suggest that persons with normal-weight central obesity may represent an important target population for lifestyle modification and other preventive strategies,” Dr Lopez-Jiminez said.
Study participants were recruited for the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), an on-going investigation collecting health and lifestyle data in the US. Of the 3,222 deaths recorded in the study, 1,404 were due to heart disease.
Christopher Allen, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We all know that watching our weight is important, but often it's forgotten that where you carry the weight makes a difference too. Having more fat around your middle can lead to Type 2 diabetes, which greatly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, but there is lots you can do to get rid of this excess weight and lower your risk.
"Keeping physically active and eating a healthy, balanced diet will help control your weight and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases. If you're concerned about your weight or need further support, make an appointment to see your GP or practice nurse."
Additional reporting by PA
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