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.

Tags: diabetes, Obesity, overweight, Weight Loss