did you know
Concealed Carry: How Much Visceral Fat Are You Harboring?
be the result of stress and the
release of the stress hormone
cortisol, particularly in women.
When our stress and cortisol
levels are heightened, our body
hoards fat from healthier areas of
the body and stores them in the
abdomen as visceral fat, where
there are more cortisol receptors. Men more than women are
more susceptible to visceral fat
accumulation, though women
tend to be just as susceptible
after menopause, and those with
sedentary lifestyles are more
likely to collect visceral fat.
An InBody
analysis is a
good means of
determining
visceral fat
level.
HOW CAN WE
MEASURE IT?
There are a few ways to determine how much visceral fat we
have. The most accurate way
is getting an MRI or a CT scan,
though there are other, more
practical options. Measuring
waist circumference can give us
an idea of our potential risk; your
waistline may indicate you have
concerning amounts of visceral
fat if you are a man with a waist
circumference of more than 40
inches, or a [not pregnant] woman with a waist circumference of
more than 35 inches. Another
method is the InBody Machine,
which uses bioelectrical impedance to estimate body composition. While the results cannot
be guaranteed as 100% accurate
because of how the body changes, especially right after exercise
for example, the machine will
give you a guestimate as to your
percentage of visceral body fat.
If you are interested in an
InBody reading, please visit
the PT desk on the main
fitness floor to schedule your
appointment for an InBody test.
TAKING ACTION
The good news is that we can
combat it! To keep weight in
control and to ward off or decrease visceral fat, we should
get at least 30 minutes or more
a day of moderate to rigorous
physical activity. This can include
a brisk walk, jogging, circuit training, and many other activities
aimed at keeping the heart rate
up. High intensity interval training
is also recommended.
Eating a healthy diet is
necessary, particularly one with
controlled portions, lean protein,
complex carbs, and polyunsaturated fats, such as salmon and
sunflower oil. We should also
be mindful of limiting stress and
getting an adequate amount of
sleep on a regular basis.
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and September 8th
4:00-6:00 PM
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HACHEALTHCLUB.COM
Start first by determining just
how much visceral fat you have.
If you are at a level that puts you
at risk for potential health concerns, consider assessing your
lifestyle and making changes to
keep your body healthy. If your
visceral fat levels are considered
normal, make sure to maintain
them with exercise and a balanced diet. Your future self will
thank you!