An article in the Charlotte Observer called 'Big Gut Big Risk,' brings to light that being overweight is associated with more than an increased risk of heart disease. In fact we tell our patients that reducing belly bulge is an important thing we can do for our long term health. The ideal goal is to improve body composition to ideal levels.
Depending on genetic and hormonal factors, body fat can be distributed differently from person to person.
Here are some fat factoids:
1. Fat cells are not an inactive reservoir of fat.
2. Fat is an “organ” that produces proteins and hormones that affect metabolism and health.
3. Fat cells in the belly release especially large amounts of a product, which adversely influences a person's blood sugar and insulin metabolism.
4. Fat around the midsection is a strong risk factor for dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and cancer.
5. People with extra belly fat are vulnerable to a whole cascade of problems known as metabolic syndrome. The syndrome -- which affects an estimated 50 million Americans -- comes with a frightening array of potential complications.
6. Stress - When under stress, the body produces hormones such as cortisol that put your entire body on high alert. Among other things, the hormones seem to encourage the buildup of belly fat.
7. A 2005 study by researchers at Duke University found that just eight months of no exercise increased visceral fat -- the potentially dangerous layer of belly fat -- by about 9 percent.
8. Hormonal imbalances influence fat distribution.
9. Fat produces inflammatory proteins that are linked to risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and how the body responds to insulin. The research is relatively new and may explain why the obese are at higher risk for heart disease. While a link existed the reason was not known until recently.
10. "Many years ago, atherosclerosis was thought to be related to lipids and to the excessive deposit of cholesterol in the arteries," "Nowadays, it's clear that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. There also is evidence that inflammation plays a role in cancer, and there is even evidence that it plays a role in aging. Someday we may learn that visceral fat is involved in those things, too." - From the Journal of Diabetes 2007 and Washington University School of Medicine.
Our take home message:
Focus your attention on reducing body fat and chronic inflammation!
Learn how you can optimize the quality of your health today and for the future. Contact Signature Wellness today to find out more about our customized programs which incorporate hormonal balance, nutrition, fitness, stress reduction and nutraceuticals to help you Live Better - Longer. 704-752-9346 |
