|
How Critical Is Weight To Heart Risk?
At least 40 percent of the adult U.S. population is overweight to the degree that their health is compromised. Being overweight may be associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and many other chronic diseases. For a majority of people the reason for being overweight is simple: They eat more than they need for their activity level. Ultimately, calories that are not used as fuel are stored as fat.
What About Apples and Pears?
Recent evidence suggests that where fat is stored may increase a person's risk of developing health problems. The fat that accumulates around the abdomen and trunk (the waist), apple shape seems to carry a greater risk of coronary artery disease than fat that accumulates in the hips and thighs. A waist/hip ratio of greater than 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women suggests an increased risk for coronary artery disease. This means a man's waist measurement should not exceed his hip measurement, and a woman's a waist should not be more than 80 percent of the hip measurement (pear shape).
What's the Best Way to Lose Weight?
The most effective way to lose weight is through a combination of reducing your food intake and increasing your physical activity. Physical activity is important when dieting, because it allows you to maintain muscle mass and promotes loss of fat tissue. When weight loss is attempted through food restriction alone, many of the pounds that come off may be muscle tissue while the fat remains.
Check with your doctor before starting a weight loss program, then
consider these guidelines suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine:
- Consume at least 1200 calories per day.
- Include foods that you like.
- To attain gradual weight loss, use a calorie burning chart and plan activities that leave you with a "negative calorie balance."
- A low intensity, long duration physical activity program such as walking is probably the best approach, especially if you have been previously inactive.
- Use behavior modification techniques to identify and eliminate bad eating habits.
- Be committed to continue diet and exercise habits for life.
Return to Risk Factors...
|
