It is undisputed that who puts too much kilos on the scales, has permanently increased risk diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. However, obesity is not just overweight. Rather, it plays a role in the health points at which sits in the fat body. Therefore, doctors often calculate not only the body mass index (BMI), but also the waist-hip ratio (THV), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Is first measured the waist (approximately at navel height), then the scope of the hip, specifically at the thickest point. The subsequent calculation is simple: You divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement – the result is a unit less value.

Therefore, you have too much belly fat. Now calculate waist-to-hip ratio! The ratio provides an indication of the distribution of fat in the body. The bigger it is the fatter sitting on the belly. One then speaks of the so-called apple type. In people who are part of the pear type, i.e. with a lower WHR, the more fat distributed on the hips, thighs and on the buttocks.

Most nutritionists call it a belly stressed overweight from a value of more than 0.85 in women and 1.0 in men. This apple types are at a disadvantage rather than pear types. Because according to the experts increases with abdominal fat, called visceral fat depot.

The reason is that excess abdominal fat in is actively involved in the metabolism and favours the formation of deposits in the blood vessels. Follow the hardening of the arteries heart attack or stroke may be. Also for other diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure overweight /apple types/ are more at risk.

The (DGE) According to the German Society for Nutrition satisfies even the measurement of waist circumference as a simple measure to assess the risk for metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Thus, in particular, should people with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25, should be careful.

Another thingthat is veryimportant:

Only a doctor can make reliable statements about how your health is really at risk. For other parameters, such as blood pressure or cholesterol levels of patients and its genetic predisposition and lifestyle play a crucial role in the assessment. If in doubt, always speak with your doctor.