Waist circumference is an independent risk factor for heart disease. That is, if your tummy is more than 80cm if you are a lady and >94cm if you are a gentleman, when you put a tape measure around the broadest circumference then you have a higher risk of heart disease as well as diabetes even if all your other health parameters are normal.
The reason being that the "abdominal fat" that gathers at the waist is like an organ of its own that produces certain bad chemicals that in turn cause abnormalities in blood vessels generally but the damage is more marked in the heart due to the smaller calibre of blood vessels that feed the heart. Researchers have found that the fat deposited here is a more dangerous fat than when it is anywhere else in the body. So the beer boep (muffin handles) is a "dangerous" appendage.
This is a cause for concern at a time such as the Easter season – when adding to the appendage is a real danger. This does not mean abstinence is mandatory. The key word is: moderation. By dishing up a portion of each of the festive foods, that is possibly less than you would usually, you can still celebrate and enjoy whilst you keep that waist circumference at least at the measurement it currently is and then aim for a reduction when the new year's resolutions kick in.
Your own health is certainly a present that you can give yourself at Easter time and by concentrating on this one principle of reducing "waist circumference" you will prevent two serious chronic conditions and be able to celebrate more Easters with your family.
Remember also that alcohol contains calories that by definition of the "beer boep" tend to go to the waist. Once again moderation is key, for women one glass of wine (or equivalent) and for men two glasses (or equivalent) is the recommended maximum daily dosage. If you are trying to lose weight cutting out the alcoholic beverages will certainly cut down on calories.
Healthy living is a choice. Heart disease and Diabetes (type 2) are both preventable diseases. At the same time if you have either disease they are also a "manageable" and one can certainly prevent progression and further complications. Whilst tis a season to be jolly and being jolly is also good for the heart, think about what you eat and drink this time of the year before just plunging into the indulgence as a matter of course.
Written by Dr Claudine Lee (GP 26 Hilton Avenue 033 343 2243) with a special interest in women's health, diabetes and lifestyle diseases).