Warning on "spare tyres"
Tuesday April 20th, 2010
People do not realise how dangerous the "spare tyre" that sits around the waist is, campaigners claimed today.
Most Britons think they are too plump around the middle - but are unaware of its impact on their health, according to research by three charities.
Fat cells on the waist are not "inactive", they say, but in fact stimulate disease by generating hormones and chemicals, such as the female hormone oestrogen, the charities say.
Diabetes
UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation worked together
to commission a survey involved more than 2,000 adults.
This showed that 97 per cent of people did not know that layers of fat around the waist generate dangerous chemicals. And 71 per cent admitted to being too plump.
Dr Mike Knapton, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "That 'harmless' spare tyre around your waist is actually a major health hazard. While you might be relaxing at home, your fat cells are working overtime to pump out excess hormones and other chemicals that can cause disease.
"Wrapping a tape measure around your middle takes just a few seconds, but it could be your vital first step towards a healthier a future."
The survey also found women less worried than men about the health effects of having a "spare tyre" - but more worried about the impact on their appearance.
Businesswoman Claire Young, who gained fame on the Apprentice programme, backed the campaign, saying: "As someone whose family has been affected by heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, I know just how important it is to look after your health.
"My mum and I recently reduced our waistlines by making small, everyday changes to our lifestyles, and I'm encouraging others out there to measure their own waistlines and make changes if their health is at risk."
Tags: Cancer | Diet & Food | Fitness | Heart Health | Men’s Health | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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