The smaller your belly, the longer your life

Research reveals that each 10cm increase in waist circumference is associated with an 11% higher risk of all cause mortality. — TNS

Central fatness (excess fat stored around the abdomen) is associated with a higher risk of early death from any cause, regardless of overall body fat, whereas larger hips and thighs are associated with a lower risk, finds a study published recently by The BMJ.

The results suggest that measuring central fatness may be a more reliable indicator of risk of death from excess weight, and could be used alongside body mass index (BMI) to help determine the risk of premature death, say the researchers.