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2011-12-21 09:11:55
Christmas may be a time of indulging for many, but health experts believe it is
the perfect time to tell a loved one they are overweight.
The National Obesity Forum and International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk said
it was important to be upfront because of the health risks.
Being overweight - particularly around the waist - increases the risk of
diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
But a poll by the groups suggests too many people shy away from the issue.
The survey of more than 2,000 people found 42% of 18 to 24-year-olds would not
tell a loved one they should lose weight because of a fear they would hurt the
other person's feelings.
For those aged 25 to 44 it was just over a third, while for older people it was
about one in four.
Men find it hardest to tell their partners, while women were more worried about
bringing up the issue with a friend.
But with families and friends getting together up and down the country over the
festive period, the experts believe there is an opportunity that should not be
missed.
Waist fat
In recent years, health experts have begun talking much more about what is
known as abdominal obesity - basically fat round the stomach
It is recommended that men are no larger than 94cm (37in) and women 80cm
(31.5in)
Fat around the waist is related to the release of proteins and hormones which
affect how the body breaks down sugars and fats
Prof David Haslam, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: "Suggesting to
someone that they should consider losing a few pounds may not be a comfortable
conversation to have.
"But if someone close to you has a large waistline then as long as you do it
sensitively, discussing it with them now could help them avoid critical health
risks later down the line and could even save their life."
Dr Jean Pierre Despres, scientific director of the International Chair on
Cardiometabolic Risk, agreed.
"Start by encouraging someone close to you to make simple lifestyle changes
such as becoming more active, making small alterations to their eating habits
and replacing sugary drinks for water."