body mass index Archives - Amazing Health Advances

An Ideal BMI

The AHA! Team — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:15:35 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Is there a unisex chart for optimal weight based on height? We seem to have become inured to the mortal threat of obesity. If you go back in the medical literature almost a quarter of a century ago when obesity wasn’t run-of-the-mill, the descriptions are much grimmer: “Obesity is always tragic, and its hazards are terrifying.” Not just obesity, though. Of the four million deaths attributed to excess body fat each year, nearly 40 percent of the victims are overweight, not obese. According to two famous Harvard studies, weight gain of as little as 11 pounds (5 kg) from early adulthood through middle age increases the risk of major chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The flip side, though, is that even modest weight loss can have major health benefits. What is the optimal body mass index, commonly known as BMI? The largest studies in the United States and around the world found that having a BMI of 20 to 25 is associated with the longest lifespan. Put all the best available studies with the longest follow-up together, and that can be narrowed down even further to a BMI of 20 to 22. That would be about 124 to 136 pounds (56 to 62 kg) for someone who’s five-foot-six (168 cm), as you can see below and at 1:22 in my video What’s the Ideal BMI?. Even within a “normal” BMI range, the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer, starts to rise towards the upper end—starting as low as a BMI of 21. BMIs of 18.5 and 24.5 are both considered to be within the “normal” range, but a BMI of 24.5 may be associated with twice the risk of heart disease compared to a BMI of 18.5. Below and at 2:05 in my video is a graph of diabetes risk and BMI among women. There is a fivefold difference in diabetes rates within the so-called ideal range with a BMI under 25. Just as there are gradations of risk within a normal BMI range, there is a spectrum within obesity. Class III obesity (BMI over 40) can be associated with the loss of a decade or more of life. At a BMI above 45, for example, a person standing at 5’6″ (168 cm) and weighing 280 pounds (127 kg), life expectancy may shrink to that of a cigarette smoker. Skeptics have argued However, “skeptics have argued that the consequences of rising obesity levels have either been greatly exaggerated or are unclear.” A “motley crew,” “obesity skeptics are made up of a kaleidoscope of interest groups…includ[ing] feminists, queer theorists, libertarians, far right-wing conspiracy types and new ageists.” It “has also been popular on far right-wing, pro-gun, pro-America websites where the idea that obesity alarmists are nanny-state communists who simply want to stop us from having fun plays well….” Less treatment of the problem Unlike activists who organized to raise consciousness and stamp out the AIDS epidemic, for example, some in the size acceptance movement appear to have the opposite goal and “have called for less public awareness and intervention regarding obesity,” less treatment of the problem. I’m all for fighting size stigma and discrimination—I have a whole section on weight stigma in my book How Not to Diet—but the adverse health consequences of obesity are an established scientific fact. Can’t you be fat but fit? In a study of more than 600 centenarians, only about 1 percent of the women and not a single one of the men were obese. There does appear to be a rare subgroup of individuals who are obese and do not suffer the typical metabolic costs, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. This raises the possibility that there may be such a thing as “benign obesity” or “metabolically healthy obesity.” It may just be a matter of time, though, before the risk factors develop. Even if they don’t, though, when followed long enough, even “metabolically healthy obese adults” are at increased risk of diabetes, as well as increased risk of fatty liver disease. They are also at greater risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, and/or premature death, as shown below and at 4:20. Bottom line? There is “strong evidence that ‘healthy obesity’ is a myth.” Many “fat activists” try to downplay the risks of obesity, even as they may be among “the greatest victims” of the epidemic. “Leading fat acceptance activist Lynn McAfee, who is director of medical advocacy for the Council on Size and Weight Discrimination and takes part in obesity conferences and government panels on obesity,” is quoted as saying, “‘I’m not actually particularly that interested in [health] and God I hate science….” If you missed the previous blog posts in this series on obesity, see related posts below. The final video in this series is What’s the Ideal Waist Size?. Key Takeaways Nearly 40 percent of the four million deaths linked to excess body fat annually are among people who are overweight, not just obese, showing the widespread health risks. Even small reductions in body weight can significantly improve health outcomes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The optimal BMI for longevity is between 20 and 22, with risks for diseases increasing even within the “normal” BMI range, especially towards the upper end. Some groups, including far-right and size acceptance activists, downplay or deny the health risks of obesity, despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking it to serious health issues. Although some individuals may appear metabolically healthy while obese, long-term studies show that they still face heightened risks of conditions like diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart attacks, debunking the idea of “healthy obesity.” To read the original article click here.

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New Study Confirms Rope Skipping as an Effective Cardio Workout

The AHA! Team — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:25:31 +0000

Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D. via News-Medical – Researchers find both high-intensity and moderate rope skipping improve VO₂max in young adults. A recent European Journal of Clinical Nutrition study investigates whether high-intensity interval exercise HIIE and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) using rope skipping improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition. The importance of physical activity for good health Physical inactivity increases the risk of numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs), some of which include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. Current physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity every week to achieve health benefits. Low adherence to these guidelines increases the risk of NCDs among the global population. CRF is defined as the ability of the circulatory, respiratory, and muscular systems to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. Low CRF reflects an inactive lifestyle, which increases the risk of mortality and chronic conditions in both general and clinical populations. Both continuous and interval-based moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity improves CRF. Rope skipping is an ideal home-based, moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise that can be accessible to a wide range of socioeconomic groups due to its low cost and minimal required space. Despite these advantages, researchers have reported poor adherence to moderate-intensity interval rope skipping. Thus, there is a need to develop strategies to improve adherence to and maximize the health benefits of rope skipping. Recent studies highlight HIIE as an effective exercise strategy with significant benefits for CRF and weight management. This strategy involves repetitive rounds of high-intensity and submaximal exercise achieving greater than or equal to 80% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax) alternated with short recovery periods. Typically, HIIE sessions last less than 30 minutes. Importantly, most studies reporting the benefits of HIIE have been conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, which may not reflect the real-world scenario. About the study The current randomized control trial was conducted at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand between April 4, 2022, and June 30, 2022. Young adults between 18 and 34 years of age who failed to meet the physical activity guidelines for at least three months were included in the trial. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m² were selected, whereas those with a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and smoking were excluded from the analysis. Study participants were randomly assigned to either the control, HIIE, or MICE group. All study participants received training to ensure they could perform rope skipping at the required intensity. At baseline, height and body mass measurements were obtained through a stadiometer and bioelectrical impedance analysis scale, respectively. Resting blood pressure, CRF, and body composition were also measured. HIIE group participants performed seven sets of two-minute rope-skipping at 80% HRmax, with one minute of active recovery at 50% HRmax, for a total of three sessions every week over one to two weeks. In the next three to eight weeks, study participants completed nine sets of two-minute rope-skipping at similar intensity and recovery intervals with a frequency of three sessions each week. During the first and second week of the study period, the MICE group performed 20 minutes of rope skipping at 70% HRmax during each session for five days every week. For the next three to eight weeks, MICE participants increased the duration of their exercise to 30-minute sessions at the same intensity and weekly frequency. Those in the control group were not subjected to any specific interventions. After completing the exercise, CRF and body composition measurements were obtained. Rope skipping improves CRF A total of 59 study participants completed all required testing. At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the test groups. In the HIIE group, an average heart rate of 156 and 120.1 beats/minute was recorded during the work and rest intervals, respectively. Comparatively, the average heart rate in the MICE was about 136 beats/minute. After the eight-week intervention, both the MICE and HIIE groups exhibited similar CRF, with a maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) of approximately 10.5%. The post-hoc analysis revealed significantly higher V̇O2max in both MICE and HIIE groups as compared to the control group. No significant differences in body composition and BMI were observed in the control and exercise groups after the intervention. Likewise, no significant differences in enjoyment were observed within or between exercise groups after the intervention period. Conclusions Rope skipping in both the MICE or HIIE format effectively enhanced CRF and provided comparable levels of enjoyment in healthy young adults. These findings indicate that rope skipping could be adopted as an alternative for HIIE due to its low cost, as well as its minimal equipment and space requirements. Journal reference: Phongchin, W., Tinsabhat, S., Trongjitpituk, R., et al. (2025) Effects of high-intensity interval rope-skipping on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and enjoyment in young adults. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 1-6. doi:10.1038/s41430-025-01575-4 To read the original article click here.

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Is Body Roundness Index More Useful than Body Mass Index?

The AHA! Team — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:28:34 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – In this article, we explore the top wellness trends for 2025 across food, supplements, beauty, fitness, mental health and more. The body roundness index (BRI) is an emerging metric in the health and fitness world, providing a fresh perspective on assessing body composition and health risks. Unlike traditional measures such as body mass index (BMI), BRI aims to capture a more comprehensive picture of body shape and fat distribution, which are crucial indicators of overall health and mortality risk. So what exactly is the body roundness index, how does it compare to BMI and why might it play a pivotal role in understanding health outcomes? Read on to find out. What is the body roundness index? The body roundness index is a mathematical calculation that estimates an individual’s body shape and fat distribution based on her height and waist circumference. Developed as an alternative to BMI, BRI is designed to provide a more nuanced understanding of health risks associated with excess body fat. Unlike BMI, which uses weight and height to calculate a general estimate of body fat, BRI considers the waist’s roundness relative to height to account for central obesity, a critical factor in many chronic conditions. BRI is expressed as a single numerical value, with higher values indicating a greater degree of roundness and, potentially, higher health risks. The formula is accessible and non-invasive, making it a practical tool for both clinical and personal use. It’s believed the body roundness index was introduced around 2013 in a paper co-authored by researchers from New Jersey, New York, Louisiana and Germany. It’s a calculation that uses height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference to determine potential health risks. The number represents a circular shape, typically egg-shaped, cylindrical or round, and it’s based on the concept of eccentricity, which is how narrow (ellipse) or round (circle) something is. A healthy BRI is typically considered something below 10, with some authorities relaying that a score from 3 to 7 is generally considered a good score. Falling below 3 has been associated with negative health outcomes in some research, and going above 7 and especially over 10 also seems to raise the risk of health issues. How to calculate So how do you calculate body roundness index? Here’s the formula: Waist circumference and height are measured in centimeters (cm). Then, waist circumference is divided by 2𝜋 x height to represent the waist’s proportion relative to the body’s overall height. Steps to calculate: Measure your waist circumference (in cm) at the level of your belly button. Measure your height (in cm). Plug these values into the formula. Interpretation: A higher BRI value indicates more abdominal fat and higher health risks. A lower BRI suggests a leaner body shape. BRI is often used in conjunction with other measures like BMI or waist-to-height ratio for a more comprehensive health assessment. There are also several body roundness index calculators out there that can do the math for you. BRI and health Research has shown that body fat distribution, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, is a significant predictor of health risks such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Because BRI directly accounts for waist circumference, it offers a more targeted assessment of these risks compared to BMI. A 2021 study out of China found that BRI is a superior indicator associated with cardiometabolic risk. This cross-sectional study, involving 17,000 participants, suggested that BRI may be more effective than BMI and other indicators in identifying individuals at risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. Additionally, a 2024 cohort study published in JAMA Network Open linked higher BRI scores with increased all-cause mortality risk, emphasizing its value in predicting long-term health outcomes. The study involved 32,995 U.S. and evaluated their BRI and health status from 1999 to 2018. Over that time, mean BRI increased from 4.8 to 5.62, while there was an increased risk for mortality for individuals with BRI scores both too high and too low. For example, the study found people with body roundness index scores of 6.9 or more had a 49% greater risk for all-cause mortality, and those with BRIs under 3.4 had a 25% greater risk. The study authors concluded that “the association between BRI and all-cause mortality followed a U-shape, with both lowest and highest BRI groups experiencing significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality.” Given this groundbreaking research, studies have been conducted and continue to be conducted on how the body roundness index can impact other conditions, including: diabetes and prediabetes (BRI could be a predictive marker) heart failure (higher BRI associated with increased risk) hypertension (appears to be an accurate indicator) and more Body roundness index vs. body mass index While BMI has long been the standard for assessing body composition, it has notable limitations. BMI fails to differentiate between muscle mass and fat and does not account for fat distribution. As a result, individuals with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight or obese, while those with excess visceral fat but lower overall weight may be overlooked. In contrast, BRI provides a more accurate assessment of central obesity, a key factor in many health conditions. For example, a 2024 study compared BMI and BRI in predicting metabolic syndrome and found that BRI was significantly more accurate in identifying individuals at risk. Is BRI more useful than BMI? The accuracy of BRI in predicting health outcomes has led many experts to consider it a more effective tool than BMI in certain contexts. While BMI remains valuable for large-scale population studies due to its simplicity, BRI’s focus on fat distribution and body shape makes it particularly useful for individual health assessments. However, it’s important to note that BRI is not without limitations. It relies on waist circumference measurements, which can be subject to variability based on technique and body positioning. Additionally, while BRI offers greater specificity in certain areas, it should be used alongside other measures like body fat percentage, blood tests and clinical evaluations for a comprehensive health assessment. Conclusion The body roundness index represents a significant advancement in assessing body composition and health risks, offering a more detailed perspective than BMI. Its emphasis on fat distribution makes it a valuable tool for predicting health outcomes related to central obesity. However, like any metric, it should be used as part of a broader health evaluation rather than a standalone indicator. As research on BRI continues to grow, its potential applications in clinical settings and personal health monitoring may expand, providing individuals and healthcare professionals with a more precise tool to assess and address health risks. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a healthcare provider, understanding the strengths and limitations of BRI can help you make more informed decisions about health and wellness. To read the original article click here.

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A Good Night’s Sleep Is Good for Your Heart: Here Are Some Tips for Better Sleep and a Healthier Heart

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 07:00:06 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – There’s no question that sleep is important to our health and well-being. Now the American Heart Association is emphasizing that it’s also one of the most important paths to heart health. That’s worth our attention because heart disease kills more Americans than any other cause of death. To show the powerful connection of sleep to a healthy heart, the AHA is adding sleep to its overall key measurements. It joins diet, exercise, nicotine exposure, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Most health experts and institutions recommend adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, preferably with few to no interruptions. Bodies need that time to repair and reset, and doctors say without it, our heart pays the price. Research shows people who regularly sleep less than six hours a night my triple their risk of heart disease. The concern is that’s not enough time spent in the deepest stage of sleep, when blood pressure and heart rate drop as much as 20 percent, reducing stress on the heart. Also during this sleep stage, the brain releases growth hormones that help the heart recover from demands placed on it during the day. Deepak R. Talreja, M.D., a cardiologist with Sentara Healthcare told CBN News sleep is very important to heart health, but unfortunately, today more than half of all U.S. adults don’t get enough, and sleep deprivation is more common now than it was in past generations. “As our society has gotten busier and busier and we’re all available 24/7 with devices that connect us all the time,” he said, “most Americans don’t get enough sleep.” He sees firsthand how that’s taking a toll. “When someone is sleep deprived, it affects their overall functional status, their mental state, they tend to have more problems with depression, pessimism, anxiety,” he explained. “Then there are direct effects on inflammation, on heart rhythm issues, and on the presence of heart disease.” Dr. Talreja tells his patients that the path to better sleep begins with the right environment. The bedroom should be dark, cool (but not too cold), and quiet, which can include a white noise machine to cover up environmental or outside noises. Then establish your best bedtime and stick to it. “Set an alarm to remind you, just like you have a wake-up alarm, a go-to-sleep alarm can be very helpful,” he said. Stay away from electronics well before bedtime and silence them to avoid interruptions during the night. If you do wake up, stay away from the smartphone. “We’re tempted to pull our device quickly if we’re having a little bit hard time sleeping and look at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or do things that one, introduce light to our environment, and two rev us up instead of letting us calm down,” said Dr. Talreja. Exercise is also very important to getting a good night’s sleep. “That way when it comes time for sleep, your body’s ready for it. Someone who doesn’t do anything (physical) during the day, they haven’t really worn out their body so they’re not ready to sleep,” Dr. Talreja explained. Dr. Talreja points to a star patient who changed his ways. Severino Tiaba now works out daily and goes to bed at nine o’clock. “Now that I’m getting older, it’s routine,” Severino told CBN News. “The kids are out of the house. It’s just me and my wife.” Severino made a lot of other changes after suffering a heart attack six years ago. “My chest was burning real bad,” he recalled. “I had my wife take me to the emergency room because I felt like I needed to get checked out and it just got worse.” That near-death experience convinced the beer-drinking, cigar-loving, junk food junkie to do a 180. “I want to be around to see my grandkids,” he said. Severino started by following Dr. Talreja’s advice to switch to a more heart-healthy diet. Dr. Talreja recommends a plant-based eating plan that minimizes saturated fat, sugar, and processed foods. Severino enjoys the Mediterranean diet. “I eat a lot of fruits, a lot of vegetables, a lot of grains,” he said. “No more red meat, no more pork. So I eat a lot of cold water fish, salmon, mackerel, and poultry.” He gave up alcohol except an occasional glass of red wine, and ditched the cigars. “The biggest risk factor for heart disease in this era is still smoking,” said Dr. Talreja. “Quitting smoking is far and away the single most important thing a person can do.” Dr. Talreja says some people are better able to improve their heart health by making changes gradually and with the help of others. “First, introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Cut down fried food and fast food, cut down soda,” he advised. “Pick specific goals you can achieve, and then pull other people in your life into it. If a whole family decides together they’re going to eat more healthful, they’re more likely to succeed.” So while heart disease is currently America’s number one killer, that could change. “If we could get the average American to eat better, exercise, pay attention to their other risk factors, and sleep better,” Dr. Talreja said, it would make a world of difference. To read the original article click here.

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Greater Screen Time Usage Among Preteens Associated with Higher BMI One Year Later

AHA Publisher — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 07:00:50 +0000

University of Toronto via News-Medical – A new national study finds that children in the United States with greater screen time usage at ages 9-10 are more likely to gain weight one year later. The study, publishing in Pediatric Obesity on June 28, found that each additional hour spent on virtually all forms of screen time was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) one year later. In particular, researchers found that each extra hour spent watching or streaming television, YouTube videos, video games, video chat, and texting led to a higher risk of weight gain one year later. At the start of the study, 33.7% of children were considered overweight or obese, and this increased to 35.5% one year later, a proportion that is expected to rise in the late teens and early adulthood. BMI is calculated based on height and weight. Researchers analyzed the BMI z-scores, which is relative weight adjusted for a child’s age and sex, of 11,066 preteens who are part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States. The children answered questions about their time spent on six different screen time modalities, including television, social media, and texting. “Screen time is often sedentary and may replace time for physical activity. Children are exposed to more food advertisements and are prone to snacking and overeating while distracted in front of screens.” (Jason Nagata, MD, lead author, assistant professor of pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco) “A negative body image and subsequent overeating may be a result of exposure to social media and unattainable body ideals,” said senior author, Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “This study emphasizes the need for more research on how screen time impacts the well-being of young people now and in the future.” “The study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its findings are especially relevant for the pandemic,” noted Nagata. “With remote learning, the cancellation of youth sports and social isolation, children have been exposed to unprecedented levels of screen time.” “Screen time can have important benefits such as education and socialization during the pandemic, but parents should try to mitigate risks from excessive screen time including increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity. Parents should regularly talk to their children about screen-time usage and develop a family media use plan,” said Nagata. To read the original article click here.

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Overweight or Obesity Amplifies Harmful Effects of Alcohol on the Liver

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:00:55 +0000

University of Sydney via News-Medical – Led by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, the study looked at medical data from nearly half a million people and found having overweight or obesity considerably amplified the harmful effects of alcohol on liver disease and mortality. “People in the overweight or obese range who drank were found to be at greater risk of liver diseases compared with participants within a healthy weight range who consumed alcohol at the same level. Even for people who drank within alcohol guidelines, participants classified as obese were at over 50 percent greater risk of liver disease.” (Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, senior author and research program director, Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Medicine and Health) The researchers drew upon data from the UK Biobank – a large-scale biomedical cohort study containing in-depth biological, behavioural, and health information from participants in the United Kingdom (UK). According to the researchers, this is one of the first and largest studies looking at increased adiposity (overweight or obesity) and level of alcohol consumption together, in relation to future liver disease. Information was examined from 465,437 people aged 40 to 69 years, with medical and health details collected over an average of 10.5 years. The findings were published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Lead author Dr Elif Inan-Eroglu, a postdoctoral research fellow with the Charles Perkins Centre, said the results suggest people carrying excess weight may need to be more aware of risks around alcohol consumption. “With the most recent data suggesting two in three people – or 67 percent of the Australian population are in the overweight or obesity range, this is obviously a very topical issue.” Key Findings The researchers reviewed data on participants classified as overweight/obese based on their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, self-reported alcohol consumption according to UK alcohol guidelines, and liver disease incidence and liver disease as cause of death. BMI is based on both weight and height. A BMI of over 25 denotes overweight, and over 30 denotes obesity. For waist circumference, researchers used the World Health Organization (WHO) classification: normal (<80 cm for women, <94 cm for men), overweight (>80 cm for women, >94 cm for men), and obese (>88 cm for women, >102 cm for men). The level of risk was given a number called a ‘hazard ratio’. The higher the number than 1, the higher the risk. People who drank above UK alcohol guidelines had, compared to within guideline drinkers: oA nearly 600 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with alcoholic fatty liver disease(5.83 hazard ratio). oA nearly 700 percent higher risk of death caused by alcoholic fatty liver disease (6.94 hazard ratio). People with overweight or obesity who drank within or above alcohol guidelines had over 50 percent greater risk of developing liver disease compared to normal weight participants who consumed alcohol at the same level. To read the original article click here.

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More Belly Weight Increases Danger of Heart Disease Even if BMI Does Not Indicate Obesity

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:00:35 +0000

American Heart Association (AHA) via Newswise – DALLAS, April 22, 2021 — People with abdominal obesity and excess fat around the body’s mid-section and organs have an increased risk of heart disease even if their body mass index (BMI) measurement is within a healthy weight range, according to a new Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association published today in the Association’s flagship journal, Circulation. “This scientific statement provides the most recent research and information on the relationship between obesity and obesity treatment in coronary heart disease, heart failure and arrhythmias,” said Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the writing committee and a Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator and chief of the Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Laboratory in the Division of Intramural Research at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. “The timing of this information is important because the obesity epidemic contributes significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease and numerous chronic health conditions that also impact heart disease.” A greater understanding of obesity and its impact on cardiovascular health highlights abdominal obesity, sometimes referred to as visceral adipose tissue, or VAT, as a cardiovascular disease risk marker. VAT is commonly determined by waist circumference, the ratio of waist circumference to height (taking body size into account) or waist-to-hip ratio, which has been shown to predict cardiovascular death independent of BMI. Experts recommend both abdominal measurement and BMI be assessed during regular health care visits because a high waist circumference or low waist-to-hip ratio, even in healthy weight individuals, could mean an increased risk of heart disease. Abdominal obesity is also linked to fat accumulation around the liver that often leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which adds to cardiovascular disease risk. “Studies that have examined the relationship between abdominal fat and cardiovascular outcomes confirm that visceral fat is a clear health hazard,” said Powell-Wiley. The risk-inducing power of abdominal obesity is so strong that in people who are overweight or have obesity based on BMI, low levels of fat tissue around their midsection and organs could still indicate lower cardiovascular disease risks. This concept, referred to as “metabolically healthy obesity,” seems to differ depending on race/ethnicity and sex. Worldwide, around 3 billion people are overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2) or have obesity obese(BMI ?30 kg/m2). Obesity is a complex disease related to many factors, including biologic, psychological, environmental and societal aspects, all of which may contribute to a person’s risk for obesity. Obesity is associated with greater risk of coronary artery disease and death due to cardiovascular disease and contributes to many cardiovascular risk factors and other health conditions, including dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep disorders. For this statement, experts evaluated research on managing and treating obesity, particularly abdominal obesity. The writing group reports that reducing calories can reduce abdominal fat, and the most beneficial physical activity to reduce abdominal obesity is aerobic exercise. Their analysis found that meeting the current recommendations of 150 min/week of physical activity may be sufficient to reduce abdominal fat, with no additional loss from longer activity times. Exercise or a combination of dietary change and physical activity has been shown in some instances to reduce abdominal obesity even without weight loss. Lifestyle changes and subsequent weight loss improve blood sugar, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels – a cluster of factors referred to as metabolic syndrome – and reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function and treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, studies of lifestyle change programs have not shown a reduction in coronary artery disease events (such as heart attack or chest pain). In contrast, bariatric surgery for weight loss treatment is associated with a reduction in coronary artery disease risk compared to non-surgical weight loss. This difference may be attributed to the larger amount of weight loss and the resultant changes in metabolism that are typical after bariatric surgery. “Additional work is needed to identify effective interventions for patients with obesity that improve cardiovascular disease outcomes and reduce cardiovascular disease mortality, as is seen with bariatric surgery,” said Powell-Wiley. The statement also addresses the “obesity paradox,” which is sometimes observed in research, particularly in populations that have overweight or have Class I obesity (BMI = 30 to 34.9 kg/m2). The paradox suggests that even though overweight and obesity are strong risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, they are not always a risk factor for negative cardiovascular outcomes. The writing group notes that people with overweight or obesity are often screened earlier for cardiovascular disease than people with healthy weight, thus resulting in earlier diagnoses and treatment. “The underlying mechanisms for the obesity paradox remain unclear,” said Powell-Wiley. “Despite the existence of the paradox for short-term cardiovascular disease outcomes, the data show that patients with overweight or obesity suffer from cardiovascular disease events at an earlier age, live with cardiovascular disease for more of their lives and have a shorter average lifespan than patients with normal weight.” In reviewing the effects of obesity on a common heart rhythm disorder, the writing group reports there is now “convincing data” that obesity may cause atrial fibrillation, a quivering or irregular heartbeat. Estimates suggest obesity may account for one-fifth of all atrial fibrillation cases and 60% of recently documented increases in people with atrial fibrillation. Research has demonstrated people with atrial fibrillation who had intense weight loss experienced a significant reduction in cumulative time spent in atrial fibrillation. “The research provides strong evidence that weight management be included as an essential aspect of managing atrial fibrillation, in addition to the standard treatments to control heart rate, rhythm and clotting risk,” said Powell-Wiley. The statement identifies areas of future research, including a call for further study of lifestyle interventions that may be most effective in decreasing visceral adiposity and improving cardiovascular outcomes. Powell-Wiley said, “It’s important to understand how nutrition can be personalized based on genetics or other markers for cardiovascular disease risk. She added, “as overweight and obesity prevalence increases among adolescents worldwide, it is critical to address how best to develop upstream primary prevention interventions and better treatment strategies, particularly for young patients with severe obesity.” To read the original article click here.

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Obesity Hits New Milestone Largely Due to Sugar Consumption

AHA Publisher — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:00:25 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – More than 42% of US adults are now obese, making it the first time in history the national rate has passed the 40% mark, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which points out the steep and rapid rise of this serious health condition. In 1999 the obesity rate was a much lower 30%. Obesity in adults is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 30. BMI stands for body mass index and is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to men and women. A person can calculate their BMI on the National Institutes of Health website. The number of people classified as severely obese has also jumped from 4.7% to 9/2% since 1999. Severe obesity as a BMI of 40 or more. Meanwhile, the number of overweight Americans, those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9, stands at 31.1%. This means in total, almost three out of every four Americans is above what health professionals consider a healthy weight. It’s Likely All That Sugar According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than nine teaspoons, or 37 grams, of added sugar a day while women, based on their smaller size, should consume no more than six teaspoons, or 25 grams. However, most Americans consume three times the recommended amount of sugar, perhaps without even realizing it. That adds up to approximately 60 pounds a year for adults and believe it or not, many children consume more sugar than grown-ups, an estimated 65 pounds a year. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the biggest source of added sugar in the American diet. Kids consume about 30 gallons of liquid sugar a year, enough to fill a bathtub! Kids and adults alike consume high sugar sodas as well as deceptively sweet fruit juices, sport, and energy drinks. Even tea and coffee can be loaded with sugars. Some popular coffee shop drinks contain 14 teaspoons of sugar, almost two days’ worth. Aside from beverages, other high sugar items include baked goods, ice cream, and candy. Clinical Psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, M.D., author of the book, This is Your Brain on Food told CBN News said these foods admittedly make people happy when they eat them but many don’t realize in doing so they are consuming an entire day’s allotment of sugar in one small treat. “They do feel that uplifting feeling for a few minutes,” she said, “But the problem is these long-term effects.” These include Type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as some cancers and brain disorders. “Sugar has been shown in several research studies to worsen depression, to worsen anxiety,” Dr. Naidoo said, “And is associated with brain atrophy and dementia.” Disguised as Healthy Most people realize candy and soda contain sugar, but might be surprised to learn seemingly healthy foods contain just as much if not more. Some examples include protein bars, barbeque sauce, yogurt, ketchup and nutritional drinks aimed at the elderly, baked beans, and much more. In fact, health experts say most processed foods are laden with sugar, including those that don’t seem sweet. Molly Carmel learned that first hand. She told CBN News that after tipping the scale at 325 pounds, she realized she learned to identify and avoid all forms of sugar. “Sugar is a tricky, tricky, tricky little abuser because it really is everywhere,” she said, “I gave up ketchup, I gave up teriyaki sauce, I gave up a lot of salad dressings.” In her book Breaking Up with Sugar, she describes how she dropped the weight and kept it off for more than ten years. Become a Savvy Shopper Carmel says in order to identify whether a product contains sugar don’t just look for the word “sugar” on the list of ingredients. Food manufacturers use dozens of different types of sugar. Many end in the letters “ose” such as fructose and dextrose. Other examples of added sugar include syrup, molasses, cane juice, and fruit juice concentrate. Sometimes to avoid making any particular type of sugar one of the first ingredients listed, they will add small amounts of many different types of sugar to a product. The best way to learn how many added sugars a product contains is to read the Nutrition Facts panel which lists how many grams of added sugar is in each serving. However, read that Nutrition Facts panel closely, paying particular attention to a product’s serving size. Food manufacturers try to make a product seem healthier by reducing the serving size, sometimes to ridiculously small portions, much smaller than a person typically eats. For example, a high-sugar granola producer lists its serving size on the Nutrition Facts panel as one-fourth of a cup, which is only about three bites! The average person actually eats more than one cup of granola at a sitting. Therefore, to get an accurate idea of the product’s sugar content, multiply the amount of sugar in the serving size by four. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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CDC Reveals Connection to Weight & COVID: 79% of Hospitalized Americans Were Obese, Overweight

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:00:58 +0000

Andrea Morris via CBN News – Shocking news was released from the CDC Monday revealing that a vast majority of people who have been hospitalized, placed on a ventilator, or died from COVID-19 were obese or overweight. The new study shows that nearly 150,000 people at 238 U.S. hospitals tested positive for COVID-19 from March to December last year. Of those patients, 28.3 percent were overweight and 50.8 percent were obese. Overweight is identified as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more and those who are considered obese have a BMI of 30 or more. The CDC discovered that the risk for hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and death was at its lowest level for patients with a BMI under 25. And the possibility of developing a serious illness “sharply increased,” for those with a higher BMI, especially for people 65 and older. “As clinicians develop care plans for COVID-19 patients, they should consider the risk for severe outcomes in patients with higher BMIs, especially for those with severe obesity,” the agency wrote. And the CDC reports that 73.6 percent of adults aged 20 and older are considered overweight while 42.5 percent within that same age bracket are obese. The CDC added that “These results highlight the need to promote and support a healthy BMI, which might be especially important for populations disproportionately affected by obesity, particularly Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic black adults and persons from low-income households, which are populations who have a higher prevalence of obesity and are more likely to have worse outcomes from COVID-19 compared with other populations.” “As clinicians develop care plans for COVID-19 patients, they should consider the risk for severe outcomes in patients with higher BMI’s, especially for those with severe obesity,” the agency added. Meanwhile, the World Obesity Federation (WOF) reports that of the 2.5 million COVID-related deaths that were reported at the end of last month, 2.2 million were in countries where over half the population is deemed overweight. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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