Beer belly fat heightens risk of heart disease and diabetes
Scientists believe waist measurement rather than overall weight is a more accurate way of predicting health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity. Experts yesterday warned that fat around the stomach - a beer gut or apple shape - could be more deadly than weight carried on the thighs - the so-called pear shape.
Anthony Barnett, medicine professor at the University of Birmingham, said people should throw out the scales and use a tape measure to understand the risks. Researchers say fat cells around the stomach are different to other fat cells and the unwanted chemicals they pump out can damage the insulin system, raising the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
