The Size Of The Pinggang Ring And The Risk Of Death In Diabetics

Illustration of the waist circumference (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The buildup of fat around the waist is often associated with an increased risk of diabetes. However, is a small waist circumference always a better health indicator?

Recent research shows a more complex relationship between waist size and the risk of death in diabetics.

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which researchers analyzed in recent studies, the pattern of relationship between the waist circumference and the risk of death is not linear. This study involved more than 6,600 adults with diabetes in the United States.

The results reveal that the risk of death varies based on the size of the waist and gender. For women with diabetes, research shows an U-shaped relationship between the waist size and the risk of death.

The lowest risk is found at the waist circumference of about 42 inches (107 cm), which is significantly higher than common health standards. However, each drop of 1 cm from that figure increases the risk of death by 3 percent, while the 1 cm increase above increases the risk by 4 percent.

On the other hand, men with diabetes show J-shaped relationships. The lowest risk of death is found in the waist circumference of about 35 inches (89 cm). Each decrease of 1 cm below this figure increases the risk by 6 percent, while the 1 cm increase above increases the risk by 3 percent.

This finding is published in the CHronic Metabolic Disease and suggests the existence of a phenomenon known as "the paradox of obesity." This concept refers to situations where overweight or body fat can provide certain protection under certain conditions.

However, it is important to note that this study does not suggest that diabetics intentionally add fat around the waist. The larger waist circumference remains associated with various other health risks, although in some cases it can reduce certain risk of death.

In addition, research is observational and does not prove causal relations. This means that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. Researchers emphasize that these findings should not be used as an excuse to ignore existing health guidelines.

Despite the controversial results, this study provides new insight into the complexity of the relationship between body size, fat distribution, and health, especially for diabetics.