What do have you heard about abdominal obesity? Here is a quick test you can do at home. Check it out!

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by: shawnsoffice@gmail.com
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Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 Time: 5:05 PM
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There are some things we can all do to monitor our health status at home. Hip to waist ratio is a very easy to that we can use at home to quickly gauge our overall well being. All you need really is some measuring tape. Our waist circumference measured right at the navel should measure less than our hip circumference, measured at the widest point of our hips and buttocks. When this measurement is not smaller, we all have a significant risk factor to get a heart attack. Additionally, if our waist measurement is larger than 39.6" (men) or 39" (women), we have another risk factor. This is not good!

Fat stored around the abdomin is believed to be much worse for us than fat stored elsewhere. Abdominal fat is a lot more than just an inert storage place where extra calories end up. Rather, it should be considered to be an active inflammatory organ, spitting out inflammatory substances. These imflammatory substances slowly damage our organs, our blood vessels, and they contribute to skeletal pain. The bigger around the middle we are the more inflammation we produce. Abdominal obesity is thought to be a greater risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes than other body fat. It is a risk factor for dementia too. If this wasn't bad enough, there is also relationship between abdominal obesity and cancer mortality rates. All bad!

The Foods that cause to abdominal fat issues are trans-fats and sugar. To avoid trans-fats, stay away from any foods that contain the word "hydrogenated" anywhere on the label. It is important to note, often times food packaging will boast "0 grams Trans Fats!" when they may actually contain up to. 5 grams of trans-fats for each serving. Legally, food companies are allowed to accomplish this. It's very similar to allowing a food company to claim it is made of 100% beef. The USDA allows the companies to do so even if it's really 50% beef and 50% something else. A lawsuit brought against Taco Bell earlier in the year brought this subject to light. Refined grain, fructose corn syrup and regular sugar should really be avoided if possible. These foods contribute to added weight gain, abdominal obesity, blood sugar spikes, and insulin spikes. Believe it or not, the American Dietetic Association claims that it is okay for 25% of our calories to come from sugars, reflecting the opinion presented by sugar industry. However, most other health groups want people to cap intakes to 10%.

Decide today to live healthier! You now have a real simple wellness assessment that only takes a few seconds to complete. If your waist is bigger than 39", or it measures bigger than your hip circumference, work to change this. Make sure you include exercise and a good eating plan, and definitely try to avoid trans-fats and sugars. You do this and you will be on your way to a healthier, more enjoyable life.

To learn more about abdmonal obesity, contact your local chiropractor.

References: Circulation, 4/1/08 Vol. 117, pp. 1624-1626; The Lancet, Vol. 366, Issue 9497, 11/11/05, pp. 1640-1649; Neurology, 3/26/08; The world is Fat, Dr. Craig Popkin, 2009, pp. 127-128.

About the Author

Jauch Chiropractic provides holistic health care and all natural chiropractic care in Buffalo NY. If you are looking for great Chiropractic Buffalo NY, check them out!