Are you an 'apple' or 'pear' shape? Are you at risk of blood sugar problems and heart issues? Here's how to find out and what you can do about it.
As a personal trainer I use scales sometimes but I’m not a big fan of them. I prefer to use measurements to track my clients progress and I encourage my clients not get obsessed with a number on the scales, instead go by how their clothes fit.
You don’t walk around with digital scales on your head for the world to see that number! But the world does see how you look and how your clothes fit you.
I take a lot of measurements from my clients but the main one we are always concerned about is the waist circumference measurement.
Waist Circumference (AKA “Belly Fat”):
I’m sure you have heard of body shape descriptions being like an “apple” or a “pear”? The apple is kinda round around the middle and the pear is rounder around the hips/thighs.
Did you know that the apple shape is associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea, blood sugar issues (e.g. insulin resistance and diabetes) and heart issues (high blood pressure, blood fat, and arterial diseases).
It’s not because of the subcutaneous (under the skin) fat that you may refer to as a “muffin top”. The health risk is actually due to the fat inside the abdomen covering the liver, intestines and other organs there.
This internal fat is called “visceral fat” and that’s where a lot of the problem actually is.
The reason the visceral fat can be a health issue is because it releases fatty acids, inflammatory compounds, and hormones that can negatively affect your blood fats, blood sugars, and blood pressure.
And the apple-shaped people tend to have a lot more of this hidden visceral fat than the pear-shaped people do.
So as you can see where your fat is stored is more important that how much you weigh.
Am I an apple or a pear?
It’s pretty simple to find out if you’re in the higher risk category or not. The easiest way is to just measure your waist circumference with a measuring tape. You can do it right now.
Women, if your waist is 35” or more you could be considered to have “abdominal obesity” and be in the higher risk category. Pregnant ladies are exempt, of course.
For men the number is 40”.
Of course this isn’t a diagnostic tool. There are lots of risk factors for chronic diseases. Waist circumference is just one of them.
If you have concerns definitely see your doctor.
Tips for helping reduce some belly fat:
● Eat more fibre. Fibre can help reduce belly fat in a few ways. First of all it helps you feel full and also helps to reduce the amount of calories you absorb from your food. Some examples of high-fibre foods are brussel sprouts, flax and chia seeds, avocado, and blackberries.
● Add more protein to your day. Protein reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller longer. It also has a high TEF (thermic effect of food) compared with fats and carbs and ensures you have enough of the amino acid building blocks for your muscles.
● Avoid added sugars. Try to limit or cut out the processed sweetened foods especially those sweet drinks (even 100% pure juice).
● Move more. Get some aerobic exercise. Lift some weights. Walk and take the stairs. It all adds up.
● Stress less. Elevated levels in the stress hormone cortisol have been shown to increase appetite and abdominal fat.
● Get more sleep. Try making this a priority and seeing how much better you feel (and look).
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