What are the risks of wearing stretch pants?

Soft, comfy stretch pants feel good. But all that stretch lets you ignore an expanding waistline -- a huge risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Not to mention self-esteem.

The impact: A wide middle -- over 35 inches for women, 40 inches for men -- kicks up your diabetes risk two to ten times, even if you're not overweight! Your odds for high blood pressure and high cholesterol go up, too. The cause: visceral fat around your middle. Its gooey globules inflame your liver, blood vessels, immune system, and more.

Swap 'em for pants that button at the waist. When they feel snug, exercise more and eat less.

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