thomson

What do you guys think of the following article?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051104/...ZoBHNlYwM3NTE-

Here is an excerpt:
Fat deposited on the stomach or abdomen -- the classic beer gut -- is more dangerous than extra pounds on the thighs because the fat cells around the waist pump out chemicals that can damage the insulin system, raising the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

For me this works out better than the BMI as I am stocky but my waist/hips is about 85-90%(I don't know exactly where to measure my waist, the narrowest part works out to 85% but the area below the ribs and above the pelvis is about 90%). Some improvement is needed but using BMI I am catagorized as overweight. I don't think I am unhealthy I do have a fair amount of muscle. I realize that I have fat to lose but using BMI I don't think I can ever get into the 'healthy' range.

lws

BMI is a VERY rough gauge. Use bodyfat %age instead. You can learn to measure it yourself with inexpensive calipers. Can you "pinch an inch" ? I can

[edit: the study says to measure at the narrowest part of your waist, vs the widest part of your hips/buttocks]

thomson

Heck, I am an 80. Bring on the ice cream!!!

mikev08826

Don't believe everything you read.

Particularlly when It comes from Yahoo...Not a very reputable source for reliable information as they are an INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE.

lws

In this case, it's fairly reputable. The waist/hips ratio thing has been repeatedly studied for five or ten years in different populations. The reason this particular study is interesting is because the population is much larger and interracial than the past studies which demonstrated a link. And it's from the Lancet, dude.

kuan

Is that why fat people drop dead from heart attacks when they engage in physical activity? They start burning fat around their waste which releases bad chemicals which in turn cause heart attacks?

clausen

The study is reputable. Here is another source.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...104?hub=Health

Yo-

OMG.

I can't believe this is a "breakthrough finding". It doesn't take an idiot to know that BMI is not a good indicator of health or fitness. And now they're saying this "hip to waist ratio" is a good indicator.

The BMI is just supposed to be an easy and convenient way of measuring health. Everyone knows their weight and height. Just get those numbers and look at a chart. Takes 5 seconds without any measurements. Doctors and specialists shouldn't be using this measurement to consult with their patients.

Just take the person's bodyfat percentage and blood pressure and you have probably the best indicator.

The hip to waist ratio is essentially a poor man's way of calculating body fat percentage. The higher the percentage of fat, the larger the hip to waist ratio.