Getting fit and reducing your body mass index alone are not enough to reduce risk of heart disease. Many people take regular gentle exercise in the hope that they ward of heart disease, however recent research suggests that even a small pot belly / beer belly can increase the risk of developing heart disease.

“Research from the University of Texas found large waist measurements, relative to hip size, were linked to early signs of heart disease. This confirms other research that waist size, rather than overall body weight, is a key indicator of heart disease. The study of 2,744 people suggests that a waist size of 32ins (81cm) for a woman and 37ins (94cm) for a man represents a “significant” raised risk. The report was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.”

Abdominal fat risks:

“And waist-to-hip ratio was more closely linked to these early signs of heart disease than either body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference alone. BMI is widely used to assess relative body weight, and is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres. Even a waist circumference of 32in (81.3cm) for a woman, and 37in (94cm) for a man represents a “significant” raised risk.”

So, the key is to ensure that you reduce your belly fat, and to get your waist circumference to below 94cm if you are a man, and 81cm if you are a woman.

To get started in reducing you waist circumference, read this article on how to lose belly fat