Investigating the potential impact of body shape on the risks linked to a large waist measurement.
Rewritten Article:
Whether you're concerned about your health or just curious, our health expert answers your burning questions every two months.
This time, Catherine Handfield poses a question that many may relate to - "I'm slim, I have almost exemplary health behavior, yet I can't reduce my waist circumference." Jean-Pierre Després, a professor at Laval University, helps unravel the mystery.
It's widely known that waist circumference plays a significant role in predicting the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. In fact, a high waist circumference is more accurate than Body Mass Index (BMI) in indicating these risks[2]. However, it's essential to understand that what's considered 'normal' can differ from person to person due to body morphology.
Professor Després explains that fat distribution plays a crucial role in this context. Some people have a soft belly, resembling an apron, indicating more subcutaneous fat, which is typically less dangerous than visceral fat[2]. Others may have a tight, hard belly, like a pregnant woman in the middle of her term - these individuals might be at a higher risk[2].
The problem arises when excessive visceral fat builds up around organs and muscles, making individuals more susceptible to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases[2]. Research has shown that even at the same waist circumference, the risk of mortality remains roughly the same across different BMI categories[2]. However, it's worth noting that as BMI increases, more participants tend to have a high waist circumference.
Now, can the risk vary from one person to another, depending on body morphology, for the same waist circumference?
Indeed, it does. Some people have a higher proportion of subcutaneous fat, while others have more visceral fat, and the distribution of these fats can differ significantly[3].
One of the simplest indicators to distinguish between visceral and subcutaneous obesity, according to Professor Després, is blood triglyceride levels[2]. If your triglycerides are low and your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are normal, it's wise to maintain a stable waist circumference as you age[2].
However, those with less favorable results (prediabetes, high triglycerides, etc.) might have an advantage in reducing their waist circumference, regardless of the weight on the scale[2]. research shows that significant benefits can be obtained by reducing waist circumference by 4 cm or more through physical activity and a healthier diet[2].
The relationship between body composition and visceral obesity risk at identical waist circumferences is heavily influenced by the distribution of body fat and the specific metabolic implications of the different fat types[3]. Visceral fat is associated with inflammatory processes and insulin resistance, while subcutaneous fat may have a protective role in some instances[3].
The visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S ratio), for example, is a powerful predictor of metabolic risk[3]. A higher V/S ratio is linked to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiometabolic multimorbidity even in people with a 'normal' BMI[3]. Conversely, a lower V/S ratio may be associated with reduced atherosclerosis risk[3].
In other words, it's not all about the number on the scale or the size of your waistline; it's also crucial to consider how your body is storing fat. And remember, genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this storage pattern[3].
For those battling with weight loss or maintaining a healthy waistline, take solace in the fact that certain dietary and lifestyle choices can help reduce visceral fat and improve your health profile. Physical activity, particularly following the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to play a vital role in this[2].
In conclusion, understanding your body's unique fat distribution patterns and metabolic implications is key to managing your health effectively. Whether you're slim or carry more weight, it's essential to be aware of your waistline and the type of fat you carry beneath.
- Despite a slim physique and good health behavior, some individuals struggle to reduce their waist circumference, and science provides an answer.
- The distribution of body fat, not just waist circumference, is vital in predicting the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.
- People with a higher proportion of subcutaneous fat may have a less dangerous types of fat and lower risk, while those with more visceral fat could be at a higher risk.
- Health benefits can be obtained by reducing waist circumference by 4 cm or more through physical activity and a healthier diet, even for individuals with less favorable health indicators like prediabetes and high triglycerides.
- The visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S ratio) is an important predictor of metabolic risk, with a higher V/S ratio linked to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiometabolic multimorbidity, even among people with a 'normal' BMI.
- Understanding one's unique fat distribution patterns and metabolic implications is crucial for managing health effectively, and certain dietary and lifestyle choices can help reduce visceral fat and improve health profiles, particularly following the Mediterranean diet.
