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Is Your Waist Size Putting Your Health at Risk?

People with excess weight around the waist and abdomen are prone to increased health risks. Abdominal fat increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure — and maybe even stroke.

Men are at risk if their waist measures 40 inches or more. For women, a waist measuring 35 inches or more will increase health risks.

For people suffering from severe obesity and related health conditions, weight-loss surgery may be a solution. Jewish Bariatric Care at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital combines a minimally invasive surgical option — known as the LAP-BAND System^® — with a long-term, comprehensive support program.

“Candidates for the program will be about 100 pounds overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35,” said John Olsofka, M.D., general surgeon and bariatric specialist. Additional considerations include related health problems such as:

• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• sleep apnea; and
• osteoarthritis.

Ask your doctor if you might be a candidate. Dr. Olsofka, Vincent Lusco III, M.D., and Bryce Schuster, M.D., make up Louisville Bariatric Associates.