Does your Dad or beloved Uncle George have the proverbial beer belly? According to two recent studies, men with "central obesity" may be more likely to develop high blood pressure and insulin resistance (a condition in which a person loses his or her ability to respond to insulin) than men who gain weight in other areas, putting them at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Body mass index (BMI) is widely used for the classification of overweight (BMI 25) and obesity (BMI 30) in men and women. BMI correlates reasonably well with laboratory-based measures of obesity and is extremely practical in most clinical settings.

However, BMI does not account for the wide variation in body fat distribution, the nature of obesity across different individuals and populations, and the joint relation of body composition and body size to health outcomes. Many studies have reported that body fat distribution is a more powerful predictor than is BMI for risk factors, diseases, and mortality.

Increased organ or abdominal adipose tissue in particular have been shown to be more strongly associated with heart disease and a variety of chronic diseases.

Waist circumference (WC) is a convenient measure of abdominal adipose tissue and is unrelated to height correlates closely with BMI and total body fat, and is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors independent of BMI.

How was the first study conducted?

In the first study of over 700 men between 25 and 75 years of age not taking medication to lower their blood pressure, blood glucose and insulin levels were measured after an overnight fast. They also calculated BMI and took blood pressure readings in three different ways. Additionally, abdominal circumference, the classic indicator of a "beer belly", was recorded.

What were the results?

Those with a high BMI, large abdominal circumference rose in tandem with age and blood pressure. Blood pressure was also associated with higher insulin levels after subjects consumed a sugar-filled drink.

How was the second study conducted?

The researchers assessed the relationship between waist circumference and heart disease risk factors associated with obesity in more than 9,000 adults. Again, waist circumference was found to be a better mark of heart disease risk, as it was closely correlated with elevated bad cholesterol levels and elevated blood sugar levels.

So how do you get rid of a beer belly?

The researchers suggested that those with a beer belly decrease their caloric intake and maintain a healthy program of physical exercise.

American Journal of Hypertension September 15, 2002:780-786

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition October 2002; 76:743-749

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Waist circumference, perhaps surprisingly, is the best simple anthropometrical measure of total body fat. It's a better indicator than BMI, and is the best indicator of intra-abdominal fat mass.

Its wonderful to have such simple and inexpensive tools to help understand one's ideal weight. These tools make practicing medicine much easier and the way it should be.

The study shows that the range of ideal waist measurements for men is between 31 and 36 inches. From 36 inches to 40 inches the person would be simply overweight but above 40 inches the person would be obese. The measurements for women are 3 inches less.

Here is how to measure your waist circumference:

With a tape measure, measure the distance around the smallest area below the rib cage and above the umbilicus (belly button).

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