Adding a few pounds as you age does not appear to significantly increase health risk. However, greater weight gain can lead to trouble. For instance, a recent study found that women who gained less than 22 pounds since the age of 18 had no increased risk of mortality. However, women who gained 22 pounds or more since the age of 18 were seven times more likely to die of heart disease and 50 percent more likely to die of cancer than were women whose weight remained stable.

The way your body fat is distributed may be as important as how much you weigh. Central obesity -- fat concentrated around the abdomen -- may present greater health risks than fat located elsewhere on the body. Abdominal fat is associated with increases in heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension.

Doctors like to use a fruit metaphor, invoking the difference between "apples" and "pears" to describe weight distribution. To determine which type you are, measure your waist at its narrowest point. Next, measure your hips at the widest expanse of your buttocks. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Women should have a ratio of less than 0.8 (or a waist no larger then 35 inches); men, less than 1.0 (or a waist no larger than 40 inches). If you have too much abdominal fat, make a special effort to live a healthy lifestyle.

Regular increased physical activity and lots of fruits and vegetables can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you have medical conditions like high blood pressure, see your doctor regularly.

Keep up the good work!

Source: Healthy Living '99