May 20, 2005 – Examination of the distribution of body fat in men, especially if it is concentrated in the abdomen, could better predict the risk of death from cerebrovascular accident (stroke) than the traditional mass index bodily.
This is revealed by a recent Israeli study, which was carried out on a large cohort of subjects.1. Researchers found that men who accumulated fat in the belly area were 50% more likely to die from stroke than those whose fat was distributed more evenly throughout the body. According to Dr David Tanne, instigator of the study, being overweight affects the risk of stroke, but the distribution of fat provides additional information on this risk.
In the 1960s, researchers recruited 9,151 40-year-old men whom they followed for 23 years. During the study, 316 participants died from the consequences of stroke. In order to assess the distribution of body fat, a measurement of the thickness of the skinfold in the abdomen and another in one arm were taken. The ratio of these two measurements gave an idea of the distribution of fat on the body. Information on weight, height, blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels, smoking and diabetes was also collected.
This study highlights the limitations of body mass index as a tool for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr Tanne explains that a person with excess belly fat, but low muscle mass, could have an excellent healthy weight, since the body mass index only takes into account height and overall weight. Therefore, she would mistakenly believe herself to be protected from cardiovascular disease. However, we know that abdominal fat is harmful to cardiovascular health. It has been shown to contribute to high blood pressure and insulin resistance and to increase “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels.
Marie-Michèle Mantha – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health
1. Tanne D, Medalie JH, Goldbourt U. Body fat distribution and long-term risk of stroke mortality. Stroke. 2005 May; 36 (5): 1021-5. Epub 2005 Mar 31.
