A new research suggests that having over-sized waists during middle ages and older years may significantly increase the risk for dying prematurely.

The study author noted that the association appears to apply to both men and women. Having a normal weight has no such implications. On the contrary it may help protect you against such risk if you carry any excess weight in your abdominal area.

A bigger waist was also linked to a higher risk for dying from diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, respiratory diseases and cancer at every measure of body mass index.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that takes into account a person’s height and weight.

Being overweight has previously been linked to a higher risk for having a whole range of health problems including diabetes and blood pressure.

There are some suggestions that the relationship between overweight and diseases comes from the extra fatty tissue present around organs in the abdominal region which seems to go hand-in-hand with having a larger waist size.

Study author Eric J. Jacobs, an epidemiologist with the American Cancer Society in Atlanta said, “Even if your weight is considered normal for your height, keeping your waist size is important for your health.”