Belly Fat Poses Health Risks for Normal Weight Individuals

It’s not hard to be fooled by the scale.

Once your body mass index reaches that “normal weight” status, who doesn’t want to feel good about all the hard work that goes into weight loss?

Unfortunately, hitting a certain number on the scale or falling within the normal weight range isn’t enough anymore.

In fact, it’s possible to have a normal BMI but be at greater risk for heart disease.

A recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2012 by researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that people of normal weight who carry extra pounds in their belly have a higher death risk than obese individuals, according to a ESC news release.

“We knew from previous research that central obesity is bad, but what is new in this research is that the distribution of the fat is very important even in people with a normal weight,” said Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, senior author of the study and a Mayo Clinic cardiologist. “This group has the highest death rate, even higher than those who are considered obese based on BMI. From a public health perspective, this is a significant finding.”

Lopez-Jimenez suggests people learn their waist-to-hip measurement, which can indicate if more weight loss is needed.

“Health professionals need to educate patients about the importance of having a health weight and a normal waist-to-hip ratio,” said Dr. Karine Sahakyan, who presented the results to the ESC meeting. “Promotion of (a) healthy lifestyle including healthy eating and exercise is perhaps the best strategy.”

Source: ESC news release

Alice Warchol is a freelance health blog writer and fitness instructor. 

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