Smoothy Slim
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What size waist is too big?

What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more than 102cm (40in) is 'very high'. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.

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Why your waist size matters

Measuring your waist can help reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases, as Professor Naveed Sattar tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath.

Why does your waist measurement matter?

Waist circumference is a good measure of fat around your middle. This type of fat builds up around your organs, and is linked to high blood fat levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. A larger waist usually also means there is excess fat inside your organs. When this happens in your liver, for example, it pumps out too much fat and sugar into the blood, increasing your risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Want to get fit and healthy? Sign up to our fortnightly Heart Matters newsletter to receive healthy recipes, new activity ideas, and expert tips for managing your health. Joining is free and takes two minutes. I’d like to sign up

What should your waist measurement be?

For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is ‘low risk’, 94–102cm (37-40in) is ‘high risk’ and more than 102cm (40in) is ‘very high’. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high. These are the guidelines for people of white European, black African, Middle Eastern and mixed origin. For men of African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese origin, a waist circumference below 90cm (35.4in) is low risk, and more than that is ‘very high risk’ (there isn’t a ‘high risk’ category). For women from these groups, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, and anything above is very high risk.

Why does your ethnic origin make a difference?

African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese people tend to carry more fat and less muscle at the same weight as a white European. And the risk of diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases starts to increase at a lower weight gain than for Europeans.

Is this the best way to understand whether you are overweight?

It’s good because it’s easy to understand. Doctors are more likely to use body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to your height – use our BMI calculator. Waist measurement is better for people who carry a lot of muscle and less fat, like bodybuilders, boxers and rugby players. If you want to eat more healthily and lose weight, it’s best to measure how much weight you lose or put on. Losing weight will help your waist measurement too. How to measure your waist Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. Place a tape measure around your middle at a point halfway between them (just above the belly button). Make sure it’s pulled tight, but isn’t digging into your skin. Breathe out naturally and take your measurement. Take your measurement again, just to be sure.

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Can diabetics eat bread?

Contrary to popular belief, people with type 2 diabetes can, in fact, eat bread — the right kinds, in moderation. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) puts it this way: “Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key.

If you have type 2 diabetes, at some point someone has probably looked disapprovingly at your toast and told you, “You can’t eat that.” Ignoring for a moment the audacity of this know-it-all, most of the time the remark is simply untrue. Contrary to popular belief, people with type 2 diabetes can, in fact, eat bread — the right kinds, in moderation. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) puts it this way: “Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. Breads, cereals, pasta, rice (whole-grain options are better), and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas, and corn can be included in your meals and snacks.” If you’ve been nervously avoiding the bread aisle at the supermarket until now, fear not. Once you get label-savvy, you’ll be able to find the healthiest, most satisfying bread for you.

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