A big belly boosts heart risks, even if you’re not overweight

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Even if your weight is normal, a widening waistline may put you at a higher risk of heart disease, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Fat inside the center of your body (known as abdominal or visceral fat), which encases your organs, is more worrisome than fat found just beneath the skin (known as subcutaneous fat). In addition, fat can also accumulate in the liver, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which adds to cardiovascular disease risk.

According to the statement, published April 22, 2021, in Circulation, you should check your waist circumference regularly. To do so, wrap a tape measure just above the upper border of your hipbone. Ideally, your waist size should be less than one-half of your height, even if your body mass index is in the normal range. (Determine your weight category at /bmi-calculator.) Regular physical activity and cutting down on simple sugars are the best ways to shed extra belly fat.