The link between obesity and diabetes has long been established. People that are obese have a much higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes which actually has a mortality rate that is on par with HIV. But, are we genetically predisposed towards obesity? Can our body shape play a role in determining our overall health?

Everyone knows about the different shapes the human body can take. For example, there’s the apple, pear, triangle, and reverse triangle. The most dangerous for our health though is the apple shape. Excessive fat that is deposited around the abdominal area is a key indicator of increased health risks. While it’s important to know your BMI, (Body Mass Index), it’s becoming increasingly clear that measuring your Waist Circumference (WC) is crucial to determining your true fitness level. (For BMI’s 18.5 – 34.9, WC is seen as an additional indicator of risk. Interestingly, BMI’s that are 18.5 to 24.9 are considered to be a normal weight, which is why, if you don’t know your WC, you might be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension.)

Obviously, the human body is a complex machine, and one part can not exist alone. Therefore, knowing your WC by itself won’t help you determine your abdominal obesity level. It’s important to take note of you Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), which will give you a more accurate portrayal of what your Waist Circumference actually means.

When the Body Weight Classification System was first developed, it was done so through a study of predominately Caucasian populations in the USA and Europe. And, while finding out your BMI is important, it’s been discovered that various ethnic groups can carry differing levels of body fat at the same BMI level as a Caucasian. Carrying around excessive fat is extremely dangerous, so that’s why it’s critical to be below the WC Cut-Off point by getting an accurate Waist Circumference measurement for your ethnic background. (See chart)

While it is not a good idea for any ethnic group to be overweight, it appears that some ethnic groups have a greater propensity for obesity related diseases, and should therefore take extra precautions. People of Chinese or South Asian descent seem to be particularly at risk for abdominal obesity, and should be using a Waist Circumference measurement, figuring out their Waist to Hip ratio and determining their BMI to get a greater picture of their overall health.

In Canada, there has been a significant increase in the number of First Nations people developing and living with Type 2 diabetes. And, unlike Type 1 (sometimes called Juvenile diabetes); Type 2 diabetes is entirely preventable. It usually affects people that are obese and as more studies continue, it is believed that it will be shown that it has a direct correlation with those who carry extra abdominal fat. There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, and it can lead to lifelong problems for those diagnosed with it, including heart disease and stroke, skin and feet complications (from poor blood flow), nerve damage, kidney disease and death.

Ultimately, determining your waist circumference and your waist to hip ratio won’t just help you look good in your new pair of jeans. It can save your life.

Living in a culture seemingly obsessed with pencil thin, smaller-than-a-minute celebrities the difficulties many face with regards to excess weight can often be overlooked. Everyone understands the health risks associated with being obese, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, heart failure and osteoarthritis the list can go on and on…

Here is a list of formerly obese/overweight celebrities that have shed those unwanted pounds through a variety of methods, some more safe than others.

Making the decision to live a healthier more fulfilled lifestyle easier so as avoid all of those nasty side effects listed above!

Star Jones

Former co-host of ABC’s “The View” shed a reported 160 pounds in three years placing her highest weight at 307 pounds. There was much controversy surrounding Jones as she literally shrunk before our eyes on television. She was unwilling at first to admit her method of weight loss but later admitted to having gastric bypass in an effort to reach her ideal weight.

Khaliah Ali

Daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Khaliah Ali who is 5 foot 8 was 325 pounds at her heaviest point. Having had a weight problem for her entire life Ali looked for a way to end years of yo-yo dieting. Opting for Lap-band surgery over Gastric bypass Ali remarked in an ABC news interview that “I wanted a tool…it’s adjustable, it’s reversible, I needed those options. The bypass wasn’t for me.” She made the right choice for herself and is now at a more healthy weight of 158 pounds.

Al Roker

Known for his audience interviews and daily weather reports on the “Today Show”, Roker reportedly weighed in at 320 pounds at his heaviest. In 2002 after the loss of his father, Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost 100 pounds.

Wynonna Judd

Country vocal star Wynonna Judd achieved success in the 1980’s with the country music duo The Judds and comes from a long line of talented stars. Judd suffers from an eating addiction, for which she sought treatment at the Shades of Hope treatment centre in Texas. She has since undergone a lifestyle makeover and lost quite a bit of weight, although she is remaining quite close lipped about any actual numbers, citing that she is more concerned with health then “social beauty”.

Oprah Winfrey

After years of yo-yo dieting (which we all know ages our insides) Oprah has seemingly conquered her weight issues. A self confessed “Carb Junkie” Oprah has managed to curb her compulsive eating and maintain a healthy weight through the help of personal trainer Bob Greene’s diet and exercise regime.

Randy Jackson

Easily recognizable as one of the more likeable judges on American Idol, Randy has struggled with his weight for his whole life. Speaking with Oprah, Jackson admits that after being diagnosed with diabetes he was forced to take the extreme measure of undergoing gastric bypass surgery to preserve and improve his health. Weighing in at 329 pounds prior to the procedure Jackson has since lost 100 pounds and is on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Carnie Wilson

Best known for her membership in early 90’s singing group Wilson Phillips, Carnie is rumoured to have weighed as much as 300 pounds during the heart of her stardom. Since then Wilson is reported to have shed 150 pounds from her 5’3 frame through gastric bypass surgery.

Roseanne Barr

First becoming a household name on long running TV Series Roseanne, with then husband Tom Arnold, it was easy to see Roseanne was struggling with her weight in front of the world. Reaching the age of 45 and an all time high of 230 pounds, Roseanne was frightened by the health consequences she faced if she didn’t correct her obesity. Roseanne underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost approximately 100 pounds.

John Popper

An American musician and front man to rock band Blues Traveler John popper has struggled with his weight for years weighing as much as 400 pounds at times. As a result of years of compulsive eating Popper developed diabetes and suffered a near heart attack in 1999 with a 95% arterial blockage. To try to improve his overall health John underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost approximately 200 pounds.

Joseph R. Gannascoli

Gannascoli who played lovable mobster Vito Spatafore in HBO’s famed television series “The Sopranos” has been said to regularly jokes about his weight. Obesity is a serious problem though and not only did Gannascoli attempt to gain control of his weight by participating in weight loss reality show “Celebrity Fit Club” he is rumoured to have gone through with the less invasive gastric banding procedure to help him control his weight for life.