Over 50% of British women have waists that are larger than the recommended healthy size, experts have reported. Large waists for women indicate a health risk.
Researchers from the charity Nuffield Health say overweight women have an increased chance of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Being overweight has also been linked with infertility.
The researchers found the average waist measurement for women is 84.9cm (33.43in), compared with the healthy size of 80cm (31.49in).
Nuffield Health’s Dr Davina Deniszczyc said it was a “worrying problem.”
“Fat being stored around the waist can contribute to significant health issues, such as breast cancer and infertility.”
Nuffield Health examined data from more than 30,000 women and found more than half had a waist larger than the healthy size.
It said women in the north of England have the largest waists with an average circumference of 87cm, compared to 81.9cm in London.
