The findings of a new survey suggest that 97 per cent of people in the UK are not aware that a spare tyre of fat round their tummy could be putting them at higher risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

The survey – which questioned 2,085 adults in the UK – also revealed that women are less likely to worry about their health as a result of carrying excess weight around their middle, compared with men; and are more likely to worry about how they look or how well they fit into their clothes.

The findings were published as Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) together launched a new ‘Active Fat’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying extra weight around the middle as a ‘beer belly’ or ‘muffin top’.

Around three-quarters of those questioned (71 per cent) admitted to carrying excess weight in this area – while more than half (57 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men) overestimated the waist measurement that would put them at risk.

Associate Medical Director for the BHF Dr Mike Knapton said:

‘That “harmless” spare tyre around your waist is actually a major health hazard. While you might be relaxing at home, your fat cells are working overtime to pump out excess hormones and other chemicals that can cause disease. 

‘Wrapping a tape measure around your middle takes just a few seconds, but it could be your vital first step towards a healthier a future.’

The campaign is supported by former ‘Apprentice’ television contestant and business woman Claire Young.  Ms Young’s family has been affected by heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

‘I know just how important it is to look after your health,’ she said. ‘ My mum and I recently reduced our waistlines by making small, everyday changes to our lifestyles, and I’m encouraging others out there to measure their own waistlines and make changes if their health is at risk.’

The three charities are also calling for the European Parliament to support the public in making healthier food choices by bringing in a standard front-of-pack food labelling system across the EU, which would include coding in traffic-light colours. 

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling said:

‘If you’re used to pounds and ounces, it’s extremely confusing to go into a shop that only deals in grams and kilograms. It’s the same with food labelling systems – we need one system that includes traffic-light colours to help busy supermarket shoppers make informed food choices.’

The charities have also produced a web animation featuring a sinister fat cell to help show that, instead of lying around harmlessly, fat cells are actually very active and working around the clock to stimulate disease.

Director of Cancer Research UK’s Health Behaviour Research Centre at University College London, Professor Jane Wardle, said:

‘Little changes that can become daily habits are the best, as they usually require less effort and can act as the building blocks of a much bigger lifestyle picture. 

‘Waist size is likely to increase throughout life – so whatever your age, today is a good day to start improving your health.’

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