subcutaneous-related stories
Belly Fat Poses Big Risks
It's common knowledge that being overweight can negatively impact your health. But belly fat poses risks above and beyond other types of fat.
Belly fat, otherwise known as visceral fat, is associated with inflammation, which can lead to other health problems. It's linked to increased risk of heart problems, Type II diabetes, and other conditions. Now, researchers are saying that people with large amounts of visceral fat are at an increased risk of premature death, even if their BMI falls into a healthy range.
While you can't spot reduce and target only your belly for weight loss, there is some good news. Visceral fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat so you may lose weight in your belly more quickly than in other areas. Just eat a healthful diet with plenty of whole grain, fruits, and vegetables. Also,be sure to exercise consistently, incorporating both cardio and strength training into your routine.
Belly fat, otherwise known as visceral fat, is associated with inflammation, which can lead to other health problems. It's linked to increased risk of heart problems, Type II diabetes, and other conditions. Now, researchers are saying that people with large amounts of visceral fat are at an increased risk of premature death, even if their BMI falls into a healthy range.
While you can't spot reduce and target only your belly for weight loss, there is some good news. Visceral fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat so you may lose weight in your belly more quickly than in other areas. Just eat a healthful diet with plenty of whole grain, fruits, and vegetables. Also,be sure to exercise consistently, incorporating both cardio and strength training into your routine.
Look 'abulous' this summer
Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health
If you've been blasting through rep after rep of crunches, yet your abs are still M.I.A., it may be time to get off the floor and onto a treadmill. In order for your six-pack to start popping, you have to reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat it's hiding behind. To do that, adding even more crunches to your ab workout really isn't the answer; while cutting back a bit on your caloric intake and ramping up your cardio workout should make all the difference. The first step in this process is to determine your body fat percentage. Then, use that information to tailor your proper ab-unveiling cardio workout. The following tips from Men's Health should help you along.
- If you have less than 15 percent body fat, do cardio 3 times a week. Results should show in one to two weeks.
- If you have 15-20 percent body fat, do cardio 3-4 times a week. Results should show in 2-3 weeks.
Big bottoms ward off diabetes
If you've got a little cush in your tush and are thinking about dropping a few pounds, you might not want to go too lean, because U.S. researchers announced yesterday that a type of fat that accumulates around the hips and bottom may offer some protection against diabetes.
Subcutaneous fat -- the type that collects just under the skin -- seems to help improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. We're not talking visceral fat -- the kind that collects in the abdomen and can raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It's the fat that deposits down lower that appears to shelter some people from metabolic disease.
So, not all fat is bad fat. Celebrate that pear-shape if you have one, then. And consider yourself lucky.
Subcutaneous fat -- the type that collects just under the skin -- seems to help improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. We're not talking visceral fat -- the kind that collects in the abdomen and can raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It's the fat that deposits down lower that appears to shelter some people from metabolic disease.
So, not all fat is bad fat. Celebrate that pear-shape if you have one, then. And consider yourself lucky.
