Researchers believe that people who have large waistlines also have large amounts of fat in their abdomen - which could be extremely dangerous as increased abdominal fat may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Researchers believe that this type of fat, also known as visceral fat, may also be linked to high cholesterol, high insulin, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and other problems.

Although it seems that this fat can be very dangerous, there is something that can be done. Reducing excess weight and becoming physically active can help reduce visceral fat. In fact, studies indicate that regular exercise (such as walking at a brisk pace for 30-45 minutes a day) can greatly reduce fat in the abdominal region.

Researchers say that men with a waist greater than 40 inches and women with a waist greater than 35 inches are at an increased risk for various health problems. Robert Ross, an exercise physiologist at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, noted, "In addition to the stethoscope around their necks, physicians should be carrying a tape measure." (USA Today, February 25, 2003)