It remains to be determined whether the dis- parities among studies stem from choosing BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist circumference as the measure of obesity. Obesity and Body Fat Distribution: Recommendations ) and obese ) individuals, weight reduction is recommended for lowering BP (Class I; Level of Evidence A). )and obese ) individuals, weight reduction is rec- ommended for reducing the risk of stroke (Class I; Level of Evidence B). Diabetes Mellitus People with diabetes mellitus have both an increased suscepti- bility to atherosclerosis and an increased prevalence of athero- genic risk factors, notably hypertension and abnormal blood lipids. In 2010, an estimated 20.7 million adults or 8.2% of adultAmericans had diabetes mellitus.283 Moreover, the preva- lence of prediabetes among Americans >65 years of age tested in 2005 through 2008 was estimated to be 50%.283 Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for stroke.284 Diabetes mellitus more than doubles the risk for stroke, and 20% of patients with diabetes mellitus will die of stroke. Duration of diabetes mellitus also increases the risk of non- hemorrhagic stroke (by 3%/y of diabetes duration).284 For those with prediabetes, fasting hyperglycemia is associated In a study of 43933 men (mean age, 44.3 9.9 years) free of known CVD and diabetes mellitus at baseline between 1971 and 2002, a total of 595 stroke events (156 fatal and 456 nonfatal strokes) occurred. 