Dear Jacqui,
Recently I was told that a spreading waistline is a real health risk. I worry because that's exactly where I put weight on? Kathy

Dear Kathy,
There are several medical studies that suggest that if a woman's waistline approaches the circumference of her hips, it signifies an increased risk of diabetes and/or coronary heart disease. Additionally, having a large waistline independent of hip size is a risk in and of itself.

According to the Nurses's Health Study which began in l976 and involved over one hundred and twenty thousand nurses between the ages of 30 and 55 these are the findings: A waist of 30 inches and more or a waist/hip ratio over 0.76 doubled the risk of coronary heart disease.

A waist measuring 38 inches and/or a ratio of 0.88 increased the risk threefold. If your waistline has been expanding consider embarking on a high veggie, low carbs, low protein program, especially proteins containing animal fats. Combined with regular exercises, you will enjoy seeing and feeling your waistline shrink. There are probably quite a few candidates among your friends who want to join your "inches off" club if you make it into a positive and fun experience. Positive reinforcement is half the battle.

Jacqui





	A Spreading Waistline...I Worry. Dear Jacqui, Recently I was told that a spreading waistline is a real health risk. I worry because that's exactly where I put weight on? Kathy Dear Kathy, There are several medical studies that suggest that if a woman's waistline approaches the circumference of her hips, it signifies an increased risk of diabetes and/or coronary heart disease. Additionally, having a large waistline independent of hip size is a risk in and of itself. According to the Nurses's Health Study which began in l976 and involved over one hundred and twenty thousand nurses between the ages of 30 and 55 these are the findings: A waist of 30 inches and more or a waist/hip ratio over 0.76 doubled the risk of coronary heart disease. A waist measuring 38 inches and/or a ratio of 0.88 increased the risk threefold. If your waistline has been expanding consider embarking on a high veggie, low carbs, low protein program, especially proteins containing animal fats. Combined with regular exercises, you will enjoy seeing and feeling your waistline shrink. There are probably quite a few candidates among your friends who want to join your "inches off" club if you make it into a positive and fun experience. Positive reinforcement is half the battle. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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