Weight Gain And Heart Disease
Body Fat In The Wrong Places Increases Your Risk Of Heart Attack
Sep 23, 2008
An increase in body fat is often a consequence of getting older. As we age, our metabolisms slow down. Often we don't get as much exercise as we should, either. Combine these two factors with eating the same amount as you always have, and weight gain is probably in your future.
Where Does That Weight Gain Go?
For some people, that extra weight gain goes to the thighs and hips, while the waist size remains about the same. This is called a "pear body shape," because you're heavier at the bottom.
However, in some people, their weight gain goes straight to their waist area, while their hips and thighs don't get much heavier. These people tend to have a more rounded, "apple body shape."
Why is this important? Several studies have indicated that both men and women who have larger waists and smaller hips (a higher waist-to-hip ratio) have a much greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease due to high cholesterol levels.
In fact, women with a waist size of more than 30 inches and a waist-to-hip ratio greater than .76 face twice the risk of heart disease than women with a pear body shape. But a woman doesn't even have to be overweight for her body shape to affect her heart attack risk. It just doesn't seem fair, does it?
How Do You Calculate Your Waist-To-Hip Ratio?
It's easy. Just divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, if your waist measures 35 inches, and your hips measure 46, your waist-to-hip ratio is right at .76. If you lose some weight and decrease your waist measurement to 31 inches, and your hip size to 43, your waist-to-hip ratio drops to .72, which is a much better figure.
It's important to know what your waist-to-hip ratio is. When this number is below .72, your risk of having a heart attack, or of developing diabetes or high blood pressure is much lower.
There's No Easy Way To Lose Body Fat
Contrary to what the TV commercials will have you believe, there's no quick and easy way to lose that abdominal body fat. You really can't "eat all you want and still lose weight" by taking a little magic pill. If you've gained 25 or 30 pounds over the past few years, try cutting out fast food meals and sweet treats. Eat more salads and reach for a peach or a banana instead of that piece of cake.
Increase your activity level. Start taking a brisk 15-20 minute walk four or five times a week. You may even want pull your old bicycle out of the back of the garage and start riding it to work or school or to the library instead of taking the car. Not only will you be healthier, but you'll save money on gas too!
If you notice you've developed an apple body shape over the years, now is the time for you to lower your risk of heart attack and diabetes by losing that extra weight.
References:
High Cholesterol: What’s Your Body Telling You?
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