The High Risk of Belly Fat If You Are Over Forty
What is Belly Fat?
It is that roll of flab that surrounds your back and tummy area. It is commonly referred to as "love handles" bit in actuality it should be called "death handles". Abdominal fat commonly called belly fat or a beer belly is one of the most dangerous areas to have fat in your body. Yes, it does matter where your fat is located when it comes to your health. Belly fat apparently triggers a chain of activities that converts into dangerous metabolic changes and builds up plague which can ultimately cause heart disease and dementia.
Dr. Robert Eckel, president of the AHA, says, "A big waistline puts you at risk for many health problems---diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke."
The Journal of Neurology published a report Wednesday, March 26, 2008, which said that people in their 40's are more likely to have dementia when they reach their 70's.
A simple test to measure your belly fat ratio
Everyone should know their waist-to-hip ratio here is a simple way to figure that out.
- While standing, measure around your waist in inches at your navel without holding it in or pushing it out your tummy.
- Then measure your hips at the widest point.
- Finally, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement.
That will be your waist to hip ratio.
The ideal will be for your waist to be smaller than your hips. For men it should be .9 or less and women ought to be .8 or less. 1.0 or higher is considered at risk for either sex.
Once you have taken your measurements and found you waist-to-hip ratio the next step is either to congratulate yourself---if you are ideal or below-or to do something about your "at risk" situation. I have reviewed two exercise programs and two diet programs that will help you to get rid of your excess belly fat and lower your risk of dementia and other related belly fat health issues. I have personally lost the majority of my belly fat in the past month and have even gained some extra confidence in the way I look and of course I feel much better.
Dennis Snyder writes on many subjects including health, fitness and finances. You can find out more at his website http://www.bondagebreaker.info Dennis also has an article at http://www.squidoo.com/bellyflab
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: May 1, 2008