Ever been told that having an “apple” body shape is less healthy than a pear-shaped body?

Or that the most dangerous place to store fat is around your waist?

Australians are being urged get out the tape measure and try not to “suck it in” when taking their waist measurements, with belly fat a major predictor of metabolic syndrome.

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute expert Jason Kovacic said metabolic syndrome is a catch-all term for a cluster of conditions that can double the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“As a cardiologist, I’ve lost count of the number of patients I have seen and treated with cardiovascular issues like heart attack that have arisen as a direct result of metabolic syndrome,” Professor Kovacic said.

“It is such a pervasive and growing issue in our society.

“Most of us have heard about how carrying extra weight, particularly around the abdomen, can affect our health, but people are still largely unaware of metabolic syndrome and how damaging it can be for our hearts and blood vessels.”

Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X or insulin-resistance syndrome, is thought to impact about 30 per cent of Australian adults.

The most common results for sufferers are heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

There was an eight per cent increase from 2021 to 2022 in the number of deaths in Australia from ischaemic heart disease.

Professor Kovacic said several risk factors can kick the syndrome into gear, including having high blood pressure or blood sugar levels, reduced levels of good cholesterol or a waist circumference above 80cm for women and 94cm for men.

While more than 50 per cent of the population already has at least one risk factor, many Australians still aren’t aware of metabolic syndrome or its associated risks, he said.

Professor Kovacic said people should know about the steps they can take to avoid it, mostly through leading a healthy lifestyle and cutting out smoking and unhealthy food.

“Unfortunately once you have one of these risk factors, you’re more likely to develop the other risk factors, so it can be a bit of a snowball effect,” he said.

“We know that changing our behaviour isn’t always easy but whether it’s taking the kids for a bike ride on the weekend or finding ways to add more plant foods to your favourite recipes, every little bit helps reduce the risk of heart issues in the future.”

-AAP