There have been countless research studies that try to predict a person’s likelihood of developing various diseases and/or medical conditions. In the past, researchers believed that a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) was a true indicator of impending heart health risks. However, based on results of recent studies, it’s probable that the overall measurement of a person’s waist may have a more direct correlation to heart health – possibly even more so than the person’s BMI.
Is This Information about Waist Size Actually Helpful?
Even if you are considered a “normal” weight (e.g. not overweight or obese), your risk of developing heart disease is increased if your waist size is more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. Typically, individuals whose bodies store fat in their mid-sections are referred to as apple- shaped, and those that store fat in their hips are pear- shaped. If you are apple- shaped, it is especially important that you pay attention to the risks – and even more so if you also have a high BMI, because the combination of a large waist size and a high BMI may put you at the highest possible risk.
What’s the Big Deal About Fat Around the Waist?
There are two types of fat. One type is called subcutaneous and the other is called visceral . Subcutaneous fat appears as dimples under the skin – which is commonly referred to as cellulite. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a dangerous type of fat because it can surround your vital organs and render you more susceptible to heart disease and other life-threatening conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Visceral fat is what shows up around the abdominal area – and causes a person to be labeled as “apple shaped.”
How to Reduce Your Risk
If your body type can be described as an apple, there are many ways to reduce your heart disease risk factors – and the most obvious is weight loss. Even a small reduction in the size of your waistline will help. It’s important to remember that many people who are normally classified as thin can still have an apple -shaped body – – and this is not healthy.
What are the Best Ways to Reduce the Size of Your Waistline?
Many weight loss programs that have proven successful for countless individuals include Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutrisystem. However, adhering to such programs is not the only way to lose weight and develop a healthier body. For example, limiting the amount of sugar (specifically high fructose) in your diet will result in a healthier body and possibly weight loss. In fact, restricting your diet to healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and low fat choices, as well as severely limiting your intake of sugars, fats and carbohydrates will result in a healthier body. Additionally, exercising regularly is one of the most effective ways to lose weight and reduce the size of your waistline.
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