Most Scots unaware that 'spare tyre' may lead to fatal illnesses

Published on Monday 19 April 2010 21:31

MOST people have no idea that their "spare tyre" or "muffin top" is putting them at increased risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, according to a new poll.

• Women who have a 'muffin top' have increased disease risk. Picture: PA

Excess weight around the middle generates oestrogen and excess chemicals in the stomach, which put people at higher risk of killer diseases.

Yet 96 per cent of Scots are unaware of a link despite 69 per cent of those surveyed saying they had a spare tyre or muffin top.

When asked to pinpoint the waist measurement that causes them to tip over into being at risk, 67 per cent of women and 51 per cent of men overestimated.

Women are at risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease if their waist measures more than 80cm (31.5 inches) while men are at risk at more than 94cm (37 inches).

The survey of more than 2,000 people was commissioned by Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The charities have joined forces to launch a new Active Fat campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of excess weight around the middle.

The campaign features a YouTube cartoon in which a fat cell wreaks havoc in the body by releasing oestrogen, changing blood sugar levels and causing cells to divide excessively, leading to an increased risk of cancer.

Andy Carver, prevention and care adviser at British Heart Foundation Scotland, said: "That 'harmless' spare tyre around your waist is actually a major health hazard.

"While you might be relaxing at home, your fat cells are working overtime to pump out excess hormones and other chemicals that can cause disease.

"Wrapping a tape measure around your middle takes just a few seconds, but it could be your vital first step towards a healthier future."

The poll found women were less likely than men to worry about the health consequences of their muffin top (41 per cent of women compared to 50 per cent of men).

However, they were more likely to worry about how they look (28 per cent to 18 per cent) and fitting into their clothes (18 per cent to 9 per cent).

The charities are calling for a standard "traffic lights" system for nutrition on food labels.

Libby Dowling of Diabetes UK said: "If you're used to pounds and ounces, it's extremely confusing to go into a shop that only deals in grams and kilograms.

"It's the same with food labelling systems – we need one system that includes traffic light colours to help busy supermarket shoppers make informed food choices."

Professor Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Research UK's health behaviour research centre at University College London, said: "Little changes that can become daily habits are the best, as they usually require less effort and can act as the building blocks of a much bigger lifestyle picture.

"Waist size is likely to increase throughout life, so whatever your age, today is a good day to start improving your health."

MEAT RISKS

COOKING meat at high temperatures or until it is well done could increase the risk of bladder cancer, experts warn.

The warning to barbecue-lovers adds weight to other research that has suggested charred meat may cause other cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

In the latest study, scientists found that people who eat meat regularly, especially meat that is well done or cooked at high temperatures, may have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer.

Those with certain genetic traits also appear to be more at risk, according to the 12-year study of 884 people with bladder cancer and 878 without.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, experts have identified 17 chemicals that "may pose human cancer risk". The latest study was led by Jie Lin, of the University of Texas.