Expert Alert - Beware of your belly: Abdominal obesity as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases

Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss Health risks of belly fat

For immediate release –

2012-24

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

OTTAWA (May 16) – In 2007, over 60% of Canadians were considered overweight or obese, and that number continues to increase. Obesity is associated with two types of body shapes – pear shaped, where excess fat is stored in the hips and buttocks; and apple shaped, where fat is kept in the belly, leading to abdominal obesity, or a ‘’beer belly’’ among sports fans. Evidence suggests that abdominal obesity is the more serious type of obesity, significantly increasing a person’s risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Statistics Canada today released a report that looks at changes in obesity measurement and the link between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular disease.

CIHR-funded researchers are available to comment on the Statistics Canada report and the impact of belly fat on health.

Experts:

Increase in children’s belly fat is causing serious concerns
Dr. Katherine Morrison, CIHR-funded researcher (Hamilton, Ontario)

Does it make a difference to measure belly circumference?
Dr. Jean-Pierre Després, CIHR-funded researcher (Québec, Quebec)

Metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese subjects: is it a matter of belly fat?
Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, Quebec)

Menopause: transition from Pear to Apple shape
Dr. Denis Prud’homme, CIHR-funded researcher (Ottawa, Ontario)

Societal and economic considerations for abdominal obesity and cardiovascular diseases
Dr. Ian Janssen, CIHR-funded researcher (Kingston, Ontario)

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact:
David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist
Office: 613-941-4563
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E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca