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Specifically, note their waist to height ratio. Allow me to explain why this should be the new surrogate marker of health.<\/span><\/p>\n Large waistlines are a sign of dis-ease. There is nothing benign or admirable about a potbelly. We know that beneath that belly lies a ticking time bomb. A large waist is strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes,\u00a0heart disease, and death, even after controlling for BMI (Body Mass Index). This means that even if you are not overweight, having a large waist may mean that you are at a higher risk of health problems than someone with a trim waist.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are are two main types of fat. Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat, the fat stored directly under the skin, the one that many recognise as cellulite, makes up about 80% of our total body fat. A moderate amount is good for your health and has, in fact, been linked to increased longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the deadly fat. It is the fat within your abdomen \u2013 inside and around your organs, like your liver and kidneys. People with large waists, regardless of whether they are overweight or not, often suffer the metabolic consequences of high visceral fat, i.e., insulin resistance, inflammation, high triglycerides, low HDL \u2018good\u2019 cholesterol, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure. These are the risk factors that, together, promote type 2 diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, strokes, and dementia. Unlike acute inflammation, which has a protective function, chronic (long-standing) inflammation is always harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to look overweight or obese to be at risk of developing diabetes.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The main modifiable cause of excessive abdominal fat is a diet high in refined carbohydrates, processed food, and sugar \u2013 particularly that hidden in sodas and juices. A beer belly is not so much about the alcohol, as it is about the carbs within the beer.<\/span><\/p>\nVisceral Fat – The Dangerous Kind<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n