CARRYING a few extra pounds in middle age could increase your risk of dying young by up to a third, a new study shows.
Adults in their 40s and 50s with slightly larger waistlines or levels of blood pressure, cholesterol or sugar were up to 30 per cent more likely to die early than those without.
They were a third more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke over the next three decades, and tended to suffer them two years earlier than those who were slimmer.
Swedish researchers said it highlighted the need to look after your body in midlife.
Dr Lena Lonnberg, of Vastmanland County Hospital, said: “As a general rule of thumb, keep an eye on your waist circumference and be physically active every day.
“Most people live with slightly raised levels of blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose for many years before having symptoms that lead them to seek health care.
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“The results underline the importance of early detection of risk factors so preventive actions can be taken to prevent heart attack, stroke and premature death.”
Around one in four Brits live with metabolic syndrome — having diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity without obvious symptoms.
The conditions can damage your blood vessels on their own, but having all three particularly increases your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Amsterdam, looked at how having metabolic syndrome affects people’s lifespans.
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They studied around 34,000 people in their 40s and 50s who attended a cardiovascular screening programme in Sweden between 1990 to 1999.
Their height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and waist and hip circumference was measured.
Some 5,084 (15 per cent) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome and were then compared against a healthy control group of 10,168 people.
More than a quarter of those with metabolic syndrome died compared to a fifth of their healthier peers.
They were also 35 per cent more likely to have non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
The average time to the first one was 16.8 years in the metabolic syndrome group and 19.1 years in the control group — a 2.3-year difference.
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said it reinforced the importance of health monitoring early in adult life.
He said: “The important message is that it is possible to reduce your risk through simple measures.
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“Eating well balanced meals, regular physical activity, and not smoking can all help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and control your weight.
“If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your GP can also advise on medication that can help to reduce your risk.”
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