The potential danger linked to a large midriff could be influenced by an individual's body composition.
Revised Article
Let's dive into the world of health and wellness as our journalist tackles readers' queries every couple of months.
Take Catherine Handfield, for example, who wonders why her slim figure struggles with reducing her waistline despite exemplary health habits. It turns out, body shape isn't a one-size-fits-all situation!
Right on the mark, large-scale studies show that waist circumference is a superior predictor of chronic diseases and mortality than Body Mass Index (BMI), as Professor Jean-Pierre Després explains. And here's the kicker - for every BMI category, increased waist circumference correlates with a higher risk of mortality.
Putting things into perspective, a nine-year study involving 650,000 participants reveals that men with a higher waist circumference faced a five-year reduction in life expectancy, while women saw a three-year decrease, compared to their size-waist counterparts. Interestingly, at the same waist circumference, the risks of mortality stayed practically the same across various BMI categories – though it's essential to note that higher BMI categories generally have more individuals with larger waistlines.
But here's the twist: visceral obesity – the accumulation of fat inside the abdominal cavity, near organs and muscles – poses a much greater threat than subcutaneous obesity (fat stored under the skin). Professor Després illuminates that fat in the hips and thighs functions more like an energy reservoir, protecting against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Now, some people might wonder if the risks vary among individuals with the same waist circumference, thanks to body morphology. According to Professor Després, it depends on how the fat is distributed. For instance, people with a soft, apron-like belly tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which carries less danger. On the other hand, those with a firm, pregnant-like belly are at a heightened risk for health issues, as hospitals tend to be filled with such individuals.
Back in his lab, Professor Després discovered that blood triglyceride levels were the most effective indicator for distinguishing visceral obesity from subcutaneous obesity. If your triglycerides are low, your blood pressure is normal, and your blood sugar is in check, it's not difficult to keep your waistline stable as you age – just avoid an increase.
Good news for those with less favorable results like prediabetes or high triglycerides – they stand an advantage when it comes to reducing their waist circumference, regardless of the scale weight, Professor Després estimates. Studies indicate that substantial benefits can be achieved by shrinking the waistline by 4 cm or more through exercise and a nutritious diet.
Genetics are a significant player when it comes to determining whether one has more visceral or subcutaneous fat. From an evolutionary point of view, visceral fat might have had some benefit – it provides an easily mobilizable energy reservoir. "But we're not hunter-gatherers anymore..." Professor Després notes, "If we don't burn the energy, the liver will convert it into lipids."
Researcher May Faraj from the University of Montreal notes that subcutaneous fat can be both healthy and unhealthy. Usually, after consuming a fatty meal, the body processes the fat within five to six hours, and it gets stored, protecting other organs. However, in individuals with unhealthy adipose tissues, the fat can linger for up to 12 hours, causing tissues to take in the fat during that time.
So, what's the secret to minimizing visceral fat and maintaining a healthy waistline? Physical activity and a Mediterranean diet are both known to reduce visceral fat and waist circumference. Moreover, as abdominal fat is linked to health issues such as diabetes, it's essential to be aware of how it is considered in menopausal women.
According to Jean-Pierre Després, the drop in sexual hormones during menopause triggers a shift in the distribution of fats. Without this hormonal protection, women tend to accumulate more visceral fat, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The silver lining? Visceral fat is more easily mobilized than buttocks and thighs' fat, making physical activity and dietary adjustments crucial during this stage of life.
- In the realm of women's health, research suggests that menopause could alter the distribution of body fat, leading to an increase in visceral fat, which is linked to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
- For those striving to maintain a health-and-wellness lifestyle, fitness-and-exercise, combined with a Mediterranean diet, can significantly reduce visceral fat and help minimize an expanding waistline.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing visceral obesity, as studies indicate that substantial benefits can be gained by shrinking the waistline by 4 cm or more through exercise and a nutrient-rich diet, even for individuals with prediabetes or high triglycerides.
