A smaller waist could mean a reduced chance of heart attack.
Recent research has found that survivors of heart attacks with extra weight on their waists are at a greater risk of another attack compared to heart attack survivors who control their weight and waist size. Even if it has already been known previously that a pot belly increases your odds of having a heart attack, this recent study was the first time research has been done to find a link between belly fat and subsequent heart attacks and/or strokes.
The experiment studied more than 22,000 patients who had experienced their first heart attack to look at the links between the patient’s waist circumference and what caused the clogged arteries that caused the attack in the first place.
During the four years of studies, researchers found that fat around the waist was linked with heart attacks and strokes separate from other risks factors like diabetes, smoking, hypertension, bmi, etc. It was also noted that men with extra belly fat were more prone to a follow-up attack. The researchers also emphasized that the circumference of the waist was more important to focus on than overall obesity. So what is the best way to tackle this?
The authors of the study have stated the best way to tackle your belly fat is with a healthy, full-balanced diet and regular exercise. Moderate cardiovascular workouts, like a 30 minute walk, can be highly beneficial in fighting a widening waistline.
