Menu
20/04/2010
97% Unaware Of 'Muffin Top' Health Risks
Most people have no idea that rolls of fat around their waistline are putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a poll reveals.
While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
Excess weight in that area generates increased production of the hormone, oestrogen, and other chemicals in the stomach, which put people at higher risk of killer diseases.
In all, 97% of people were unaware of a link despite 71% of those surveyed saying they had an expanding waistline.
When asked to pinpoint the waist measurement that causes them to tip over into the risk category, more than half of people overestimated it.
Women are at risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease if their waist measures more than 31.5 inches while men are at risk at more than 37in.
Three leading UK charities are launching a new Active Fat campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.
Dr Mike Knapton, of the British Heart Foundation charity which is working alongside Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK, 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 future."
Despite dieting and weight-watching typically perceived as a female obsession, today’s poll actually found that women were less likely than men to worry about the health consequences of their muffin top, with 41% of women admitting it concerned them compared to 50% of men.
However, women were more likely to worry about how they look (28% versus 18%) and fitting into their clothes (18% versus 9%). However, less than half of men and women (44%) had tried to do more exercise as a way of combating their flab.
Some 27% of people had bought bigger sized clothes, 15% covered up on the beach and 12% avoided weighing themselves altogether.
As part of the campaign, the charities are calling for single labelling on foods, putting into action a standard "traffic lights" system for nutrition.
The survey of more than 2,000 people was commissioned by Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
(LB/GK)
While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
Excess weight in that area generates increased production of the hormone, oestrogen, and other chemicals in the stomach, which put people at higher risk of killer diseases.
In all, 97% of people were unaware of a link despite 71% of those surveyed saying they had an expanding waistline.
When asked to pinpoint the waist measurement that causes them to tip over into the risk category, more than half of people overestimated it.
Women are at risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease if their waist measures more than 31.5 inches while men are at risk at more than 37in.
Three leading UK charities are launching a new Active Fat campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.
Dr Mike Knapton, of the British Heart Foundation charity which is working alongside Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK, 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 future."
Despite dieting and weight-watching typically perceived as a female obsession, today’s poll actually found that women were less likely than men to worry about the health consequences of their muffin top, with 41% of women admitting it concerned them compared to 50% of men.
However, women were more likely to worry about how they look (28% versus 18%) and fitting into their clothes (18% versus 9%). However, less than half of men and women (44%) had tried to do more exercise as a way of combating their flab.
Some 27% of people had bought bigger sized clothes, 15% covered up on the beach and 12% avoided weighing themselves altogether.
As part of the campaign, the charities are calling for single labelling on foods, putting into action a standard "traffic lights" system for nutrition.
The survey of more than 2,000 people was commissioned by Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
(LB/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
09 April 2015
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
14 December 2011
Mismanaged Diabetes 'Killed 24,000'
A report into diabetes mortality has found 24,000 deaths could have been prevented if sufferers had managed their disease better.
Mismanaged Diabetes 'Killed 24,000'
A report into diabetes mortality has found 24,000 deaths could have been prevented if sufferers had managed their disease better.
11 June 2014
Leading Doctors Recommend Not Extending Statin Use
Leading doctors have said the government should not extend the use of the statin drug on the NHS warning of potential side effects in a letter to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) and Ministers.
Leading Doctors Recommend Not Extending Statin Use
Leading doctors have said the government should not extend the use of the statin drug on the NHS warning of potential side effects in a letter to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) and Ministers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
