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10. 03. 10. - 14:00

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10. 03. 10. - 14:00

BMI is a big fat lie, say scientists

Kathryn Quinn

A new scientific study of increasing waistlines has branded the Body Mass Index most health regimes are based on a big fat lie.

The report says that a person's BMI - a method of measuring fat in the body - has no influence when it comes to risk of heart attacks or strokes.

And they claim that they've got to the bottom of what really makes a healthy body - a big bottom with wobbly thighs.

The report - by Germany's Maximillian University in Munich - says the spread of fat around a body is more important than the total.

Project leader Harald Schneider said the study of 11,000 overweight subjects showed that extra inches on the waist, bottom and thighs should be called "good fat" because it can protect people from heart disease.

Only belly fat could be described as a health risk as it increases "risk of inflammation" says the report, released this week after an eight year study.

Dr Schneider explained: "The BMI plays no role when it comes to the cardiac arrest and stroke death risk."

Government to introduce ‘Robin Hood’ tax on oil companies
Minister of Economy Daniel Chitoiu announced today (Weds) that the government is working on a piece of legislation on introducing a supplementary tax on the exceptional incomes of the oil companies that should be passed by the year end and implemented as of 2013.

Education Minister stepps down amid plagiarism accusations
Ioan Mang, the education minister appointed only two weeks ago together with the new cabinet of Social Liberal Union (USL) leader Victor Ponta, resigned Tuesday (yesterday) night.

Brancusi’s son doesn’t want his father remains to be moved to Romania
John Moore, the only child of sculpture Constantin Brancusi, reacted to Romania’s intention to repatriate the remains of his father, saying his last will was to be buried in Paris at Montparnasse, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Weds).

Romania back in recession, growth to resume in H2
Romania officially entered recession today, following the figures published by the National Statistics Institute (NSI) that show a decrease of the GDP for two consecutive quarters (Q).

Police head sacked over underground boss runaway row
The head of the Romanian Police Liviu Popa (picture) was sacked today (Tues) by Home Affairs Minister Ioan Rus, the ministry informs.

UK Ambassador Harris says new Cabinet took right decisions so far
The UK Ambassaodr in Romania, Martin Harris says Victor Ponta’s new government got off on the right foot by making clear that its economic policy will continue to be framed within the programme agreed between Romania and the EU, World Bank, and IMF.

Carmen Sylvas x-rayed hand to be auctioned
A x-ray of the left hand of Romanian Queen Elisabeta will be auctioned in Bucharest by Artmark auction house, Libertatea newspaper informs today (Tue).

Rising handbal player hangs herself because of family quarels
A rising star of the Romanian handball was found hanged on Sunday (yesterday) in her family apartment in Drobeta Turnu Severin (South West), Romania TV news channel informs today.

Triumphant welcome in Bucharest for the national gymnastic team
The national team of gymnasts returned home today at noon from the European Championship held on Saturday and Sunday in Brussels, and was welcomed by a numerous crowd at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest.

Sorin Oprescu to win in a landslide, poll suggests
An opinion poll released today (Mon) makes the current Mayor Sorin Oprescu favourite for the Bucharest municipal elections, Realitatea TV news channel informs.