More than half of Taiwanese aged 19 or older have a waist size that is considered too big, putting them at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said yesterday, citing the results of a survey.
The HPA conducted the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan from 2017 to 2020.
A waist circumference of at least 90cm in men and at least 80cm in women is considered too big, as it is considered a sign of excess visceral fat, HPA Director-General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) said.
The survey also found that nearly 20 percent of people with a healthy body mass index still had a waist size that was too big.
A large waist circumference could lead to higher blood pressure, blood sugar levels and “bad” cholesterol levels, which in turn could lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the HPA said, citing studies.
People should measure their waist circumference regularly, maintain a healthy diet that is low in fat, sodium and sugar, and high in fiber, and exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week to keep a healthy waistline, Wu said.
People with a healthy waist circumference should measure their waist at least once every year, while people with a large waist circumference should do so at least once per week and keep their weight under control, the HPA said.
It said people should measure their waist standing up straight with no clothes covering their waist, preferably before having breakfast.
They should place the measuring tape halfway between the top of the hips and the base of the rib cage. The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor and fit snugly around the torso without digging into the skin, the HPA said.
People should breathe normally when taking the measurement, it added.
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