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Apple-Shaped Body and Visceral Fat Predict Future Health
11/07/07
Disease Basics
Body Mass Index (BMI) is not a good measure of a person's health, according to David Flum, M.D.
He suggests that evaluating whether a person's body is apple-shaped or pear-shaped is a better measure of future health or illness. Body shape as a measure of health has gained more acceptance in the medical community.
As you have visited your doctors to address your diabetes needs, they have certainly recorded your height and weight. They have probably used those numbers to calculate your BMI. But have they ever talked to you about your body shape and explained what it means?
An apple-shaped body means you carry more of a dangerous type of fat. An article about viceral fat explains the risks that include heart disease, and diabetes.
Sources:
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 28, 2007
U.S. News & World Report, October 16, 2007, via OrlandoSentinal.com
Related Post:
Fat on the Abdomen vs. Fat in the Legs - Which one is More Dangerous for Diabetics?