A study conducted on a survey done on 837 people across four major cities reveals that belly fat owing to lifestyle changes leads to heart risk. At least 69 per cent of Delhiites with belly fat are at a risk of heart disease, confirms the study.
"It is well established that central adiposity or belly fat makes adults more susceptible to heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dyslipidemia etc. Belly fat (visceral fat) is metabolically active fat and is the forerunner of cardiovascular problem. What is also revealed through the study, and is critical to note, is that even if you have a BMI within the normal range and have belly fat, you may be at heart risk. Hence, it is important to take proactive steps towards heart health," said Dr HK Chopra, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Moolchand Medicity.
The pan-India study 'Impact of belly fat on heart health' conducted by Nielsen and Saffolalife covered 837 respondents across key cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Hyderabad. Some of the startling facts from the study revolve around age, gender and lifestyle implications for heart health due to belly fat. Eating habits which are common among Indians with belly fat are eating junk food (74%) and eating outside of the home (83%) at least once a week. Furthermore, 71% of women with belly fat skip breakfast as compared to only 66% of men in Delhi.
It is not only work stress which is affecting the heart health of people (71%) but also the domestic stress which puts them at heart risk (74%).
"The study has further validated the correlation between belly fat and heart health risk. Hence, managing belly fat is critical for a healthy lifestyle. One must start by making changes in their lifestyle so as to manage belly fat and associated heart risk. A few simple and healthy easy steps can help you manage belly fat in a sustained manner such as eating right, avoiding junk food, exercising regularly, sleeping well and reducing stress," said Neelanjana Singh, nutritionist.
STRESS FACTOR
- It is not only work stress which is affecting the heart health of people (71%) but also the domestic stress which puts them at heart risk (74%)
- A few simple and healthy easy steps can help you manage belly fat in a sustained manner such as eating right, avoiding junk food
