Most of us know that excess weight can be a health risk. But are we aware that belly fat can be a major cause of heart attacks and other heart problems? According to a massive international survey, far too few Canadians are aware of the dangers associated with a plus-size waist.
Shape of the Nations recently released the results of a massive global study conducted in 27 countries, quizzing over 11,000 people on their awareness of abdominal fat's link to heart disease. The results were discouraging. The survey, conducted under the auspices of the World Heart Federation, asked doctors and patients around the world about their awareness of a big belly's effect on cardiovascular health. Only 30 per cent of Canadians, the study states, are aware of the connection.
Abdominal fat is the layer of fat around the belly that is often referred to, affectionately, as the 'spare tire'. A large tummy is an indicator of the intra-abdominal fat that lies beneath this exterior layer. This fat, or adipose tissue, is located deep inside the abdomen, coating the internal organs and causing, over time, major health complications. Specifically, adipose tissue has been linked to increased incidence rates of Type 2 diabetes, a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
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