Losing just 8lb can be a lifesaver
LOSING little more than half a stone in weight can dramatically slash the risk of dying from diabetes and heart disease, research shows.
Scientists found that shedding between 8lb and 11lb can cut heart disease deaths by a third, and deaths from Type 2 diabetes by a half.
Shedding between 8lb and 11lb can cut heart disease deaths by a third
The findings could have a major impact on the nation’s health, with both diseases affecting growing numbers.
The study in Cuba, reported in the British Medical Journal, spotlighted an economic crisis in the 1990s, when food and fuel shortages led people to eat less and increase physical activity.
As they lost weight, heart and diabetes deaths fell sharply. But, deaths rose as people began to regain weight.
Nearly 2.3 million UK people have heart disease and four million have diabetes.
The British Heart Foundation called the findings “encouraging”.