Seniors and Baby boomers, think again about your Thanksgiving day menu. That belly around your middle is deadly!

With turkey day fast approaching, and senior and their baby boomer kids, gen-X grandchildren and little ones preparing to gather for traditional feast.  A review of the meal plan may involve more than pinching some pennies this year.  Reach down and pinch your belly as well.

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine in Nov. 13th, 2008 issue, see link http://tinyurl.com/6xhp8,

indicated that belly fat, ie adipose tissue, can be an indicator of increased risk of death.  An addition of an extra 2″ around the waist raises the chance of an early death by 13%-17%.  The average waist in American males has increased from 35 to 39 inches. Yet I would have to say that 36″ should be the norm.  SO, if you are a 40″ waist you have a 26-34% higher risk of early death than your buddy that has a 36″ waist.  Damn, that is scary.

For the ladies the average waist size of an American female has expanded from 30″ to 37″ in the last 40 years.  I am scared to say what a good average should be, but I am sure it is safe to say 33-34″.  SO, the same numbers do apply.   So normal ladies out there, your friend that is overweight, if she has a waist of 40″ she has a 39-51% higher chance of dying earlier than you.  OMG!  Its time that all of us that have friends and family that are fighting obesity, speak up and help.  It is not about fashion or beauty, it is really a matter of life and death.

In an extreme example,  men out there that have waists that exceed 47″,  their risk for early death is double that of someone who has a 31.5″ waist.  Did you read that, double. Yikes.

The National Institutes of Health recommends that men with waists measuring 37 inches or greater and women with waists larger than 31.5 inches modify their lifestyles to reduce their waists and resulting health risks. Nearly 39 percent of men and 60 percent of women are carrying too much belly fat. Straight from the government folks.  See full article. http://tinyurl.com/48btx8

An interesting note from the study, is that those who are tall, and yet have a low body weight, were also at a higher risk than normal for early death.  It is hypothesized that this is related to not enough muscle mass. Take note super models!

So,  look around at your family members.  And plan smartly, low carb side-dishes for that turkey day.  Plan an early meal, and then do a family walk.
Start a new tradition with a family walk before dessert. Start now with the grand kids and teach them about proper diet and exercise.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

It is thought that adipose tissue, particularly tissue from visceral-fat deposits, secretes potential mediators in the development of chronic diseases^..