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The Canadman Champion, Friday, February 1l, 200-1;-B9 M O N T H Heartý Stroke -Weighing in or Is Body Mass Index (BMI) the only reliable method of determining whether you're overweight? New Heart and Stroke Foundation research indicates that for most people, the humble measuring tape alone may provide an easier way of telling whether additional inches around your waist constitute a health risk. According to Heart and Stroke - - Foundation researchers, Drs. Peter Katzmarzyk and Robert Ross, measur- jing waist circumference is simpler than calculating BMI. Furthermore, they point out that because fat around the waist is SO hazardous 10 heart health, measuring waist circumference may actually provide a more accurate method of self assessment. Canadian adults intimidated by the mathe- matical calculations involved in determining BMI will likely greet this news with a cheer. (BMI equals a '-person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). AIl you need 10 kno w is how ta read a measuring tape. In men a waist circumference of 102 cm (40 inches) or greater places themn aI significant increased risk for heart disease and stroke. In women this measurement is 88 cm (35 inches) or more. Comparing apples and pears "Most people fit one of two body shapes - they are either apples or pears. Pear-shaped people, usuaîîy women, carry excess weight on their hips, thighs and buttocks. Appîe-shaped people, usualîy maies, have big bel- lies and extra weight across the waistline," says Dr. Katzmarzyk. "For reasons that we don't yet fully understand, fat across the waistline - as in the classic apple-shape - is processed differently by the liver. This resuits in higher levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The apple-shape is also asso- ciated with high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes, both of which are heart disease risk factors." n light of this knowledge, says Dr. Katzmarzyk, waist circumference becomes even more important, not just 10 characterize those at risk but also as a simple tool to measure the effectiveness of weight loss strategies. An initial target of a 5 t 10%0/ loss in waist circumference or overal weight is reasonable and associated with health benefits. Better 10 be thin or fit? However although fat celîs around the waist are the most dangerous, the good news is they also appear to be the easiest to shed. A study of pre- menopausal, overweight women, conducted by Dr. Ross last year and pub- lished in Obesity Research found a program of physical activity could sub- stantially reduce abdominal fat, without producing weight loss even though women in the study didn't experience significant weight loss. "This underlies the conflicting media reports we have been getting about what counts most for heart health - fitness or weight loss," says Dr. Ross. It also explains recent findings that overweight people who are physically active can have better overal health than slimmer people who weigh less but are less physically active. Quick and easy "You can achieve significant health benefits by reducing the waist meas- urement and this begins even before you start losing weight," says Dr. Ross. "BMI doesn't tell you that. The secret weapon that tells you how well you are doing is the measuring tape!" Another study conducted by the two researchers and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which included almost 15,000 study subjects compared BMI and waist circumference as tools for identifying and measuring heart health risk and found waist circumference measurements were either superior, or equal ta BMI. While Drs. Ross and Katzmarzyk say BMI stil1 has an important role to play in risk assessment, they believe it may be most accurate when used by health professionals in combination with waist circumference measurement. CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL WORK AT A REASONABLE PRICE Special Rates for Seniors F E R T RAY NOWLAN E (905) 878-08941 Elà Aquariums, Fish & Supplies - Small Animais & Supplies Kittens - Birds - Reptiles ACCESSORIES - PET F00O) TONS 0F TOYS FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF 905-875-0475 GARY DUNLEY A " LE Owner Operator Auto Accessories l Upholstery Repairs 1 Windshield Repairs 781 MAIN ST. #1 & 2, MILTON 876-4785 George Takaki 100) Nip.ssng Road. Und 9 Mfton. ON L9T 582 T 905-876-4647 F 905-876-1100 pninting@ mdton-kwikeffl-ca www-dncopy ca I.m cn in N. eNU ANdEit En CY UN. - DisaIut - CMUI okmea- iwU8-RE M P - RR3P's - Nitual Fune (M.S.I.L) - IE3P% Cerati30eu Vlni Tom"Bsies I'm alive today hecause sorneone knew the signs of a stroke. 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