Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 6, 1 June 2005 — A new twist on measuring health [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A new twist on measuring health

Have you measured your waistline lately? Recent studies show that waistlines ean predict health problems. Researchers found that waist measurements were in alignment with the standard for "overweight" using the complex calculations of "body mass index" (BMI). Women with waistlines over 33 inches and men with waistlines over 35 inches met the BMI standard for "overweight". Waistlines greater than 39.8 inches for men and 37 inches for women met BMI standards for "very overweight." Both measurements ean predict the risks for developing chronic illnesses. This means that measuring waistlines could replace stepping on a scale to eheek body weight, as well as doing the eomplicated mathematics for calculating BMIs. Who would have imagined that a tape measure would be a reliable tool for predicting the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, or that keeping a trim waistline could prevent a number of illnesses? The latest fashions feature loosefitting garments that allow larger waistlines. Men's trousers and jeans fit lower on the hip than in past years. Women's skirts, slacks and jeans are designed to fit below waistlines, or have elastic or draw-

string waists. Fabrics are stretchy and

accommodate increasing waistlines. In fact, J

the garm e n t industry changed its sizing to allow

consumers to think they fit into a smaller size. The point is: our clothes are not a good way to judge body size, and clothing waistlines are no help in detecting developing health eonditions. To properly measure the waistline, plaee the measuring tape around the smallest part of the body above the hip, just below the bottom of the rib cage. (And, yes, the tops of those "love handles" count too.) The risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, illnesses of the heart, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, breast eancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer is directly related to oversized waistlines, high BMIs and being overweight. Being overweight increases the risks for depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders, especially among youngsters. Conversely, avoiding excess weight

w i 1 1 reduc e

health problems. "Paring down" the waistline ean help prevent the onset of these conditions, or reduce the severity of health problems that are already present. Keeping physically active and making wise lower-fat and lowersugar food choices are key to staying healthy and keeping waistlines trim. Walking is the simplest exercise, as it requires only athletic shoes and socks and about three

hours a week. Athletic shoes and socks are needed to protect and support the feet and spare injuries. Early morning physical activity will increase the benefits all day long, while afternoon physical activity will relax and reduce the stresses of the day. So there are great benefits no matter when you choose to add activity. Just do it! Picture yourself in a new outfit at parties in December 2005. TJ

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By Claire Hughes , Dr.PH., R.D.