A brand new study just came back with what can safely be described as the most critical reason why trying to shed pounds is important. It found that those with a large waist circumference appear to have a greater risk of dying from any cause over a nine-year period. The study from the “Archives of Internal Medicine” highlights why excess fat is so dangerous.

Large waist circumference has previously been linked with inflammation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels and heart disease. This may be because waist circumference is strongly correlated with fat tissue in the viscera. This is the area that surrounds the organs in the abdomen, and fat build-up here is believed to be more dangerous than fat tissue under the skin.

Researchers with the American Cancer Society examined this issue in 48,500 men and 56,343 women age 50 and older, with an average age of 68. All had participated in a cancer prevention study and had completed a questionnaire about many things — including providing information about weight and waist circumference — in 1997.

Deaths and their causes were tracked through the National Death Index through the end of 2006. In this nine-year period, 9,315 men and 5,332 women passed away.

After adjusting for other risk factors for death, very large waists had an approximate two-times the risk of death in this study. “Very large” was measured at 120 cm or 47 inches and above in men, and 110 cm or 42 inches and above in women. A larger waist was associated with higher risk of death across all categories, including those with normal weight. The link was strongest in women, between those with large waists and those of normal waist size, but researchers aren’t clear why.

The researchers say that further studies into the relationship between waist circumference and visceral fat could help us understand this increased risk of death more accurately.

Losing fat around the waist can seem very challenging, and you must know it is a long process. To help that process, stick to your treatment plan, take any medications as directed, learn about obesity, get family and friends to help you reach your goals, avoid triggers that make you want to eat, set realistic goals and keep a food and activity journal to reflect on.

Tags: Cholesterol, exercise, heart disease, inflammation, Insulin