What The Presence of Excess Abdominal Wall Fat Means to You

Research has demonstrated that the presence of extra fat around the abdomen also increases one’s risks for the co-morbidities of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol level, as well as early death. This finding is due to the fact that extra fat around the abdomen tends to correlate well with the presence of extra total body fat. In addition, fat in the abdominal area tends to carry a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than fat in other areas of the body. A big belly is indeed more dangerous than a big booty! In that case, J. Lo. should be pretty much immortal! In men, a waist circumference greater than 40 inches is an independent predictor for the co-morbidities that contribute to an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and death. In women, this number is 35 inches.
These 2 independent factors are used to define a patients’ increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The table below illustrates the degree of risk when BMI and waist circumference are combined to assess the risks for cardiovascular disease in an overweight or obese individual.

Table of BMI and Waist Circumference and Classification of Risk