Being apple-shaped not necessarily unhealthier than being pear-shaped

A few years ago, having a higher waist-to-hip ratio (aka being apple-shaped) was declared to be unhealthier than being pear-shaped, and experts were saying a tape measure would provide a better snapshot of your health than would stepping on a scale.

Now a review of several studies published in The Lancet refutes this, saying your waist-to-hip ratio is no better at predicting heart and stroke risk than BMI. (In fact, it’s blood pressure, history of diabetes and cholesterol levels that provide the most info in terms of determining cardiovascular risk.)

(Green apple sculpture, structube.com)

8 Comments March 11, 2011