Waist Size and Body Mass Linked to Heart Disease

It sounds pretty obvious, but Dutch researchers have found a strong association between body mass and cardiovascular disease.

The study, published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, revealed body mass index (BMI) and waist size were linked to more than 50% of all fatal heart disease cases.

Experts examined hospital records and “cause of death data” over a 10 year period.

Data showed 25% to 30% of non-fatal heart disease cases occurred in overweight and obese people.

A BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, and BMI’s greater than 30 are categorized as obese. Body mass index is calculated by dividing weight by the square of the individual’s height.

Researchers for this study say their findings merely underline the importance of developing policies and activities to prevent obesity in the general population.

Via Reuters.

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