More than 90% of middle-aged women at risk because of their 'dangerously large' waists

A “staggering” 92 per cent of women in their 50s and 60s are at risk of heart disease and diabetes because of their dangerously large waists.

As many as 80 per cent of men are similarly affected, according to figures by the chief medical officer.

Tackling the problem was vital to ensure the health of the nation, said Dame Sally Davies.

She also called on people in those age groups to lose weight around their middle, reported the Times.

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The figures showed that 80% of women and 75% of men in their fifties and sixties have dangerously large waists.

But those numbers increased to 92% and 80% when waist circumference is counted. So-called central obesity is defined as 40 inches plus for men and 34 inches or more for women around the midsection of the abdomen in line with the navel.

And nearly half of all men and a third of women aged 50 to 70 are overweight in terms of body mass index (BMI).

“These statistics are staggering. If these adults are to reduce their current risk and maintain their health through older age it is critical that this is addressed,” said Dame Sally.

““I have previously expressed my concern regarding the ‘normalisation’ of overweight and obesity, referring to the increasing difficulty in discerning what is normal from abnormal due to the fact that being above a healthy weight or obese is now so commonplace.”

A large waist can indicate extra fat around the organs.

This can often lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems.

Type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in the past 25 or so years in the UK, reported the Times.

For the 50-70 age range, it has leapt by 97 per cent in men and 57 per cent in women since 1990.

“Maintaining a healthy BMI and waist size, by eating a healthy diet and moving more, are key ways to help maintain your health into older age,” said Libby Dowling, senior clinical adviser at Diabetes UK.