Belly Jelly vs Bootylicious

Which is better to have: fat around the belly or fat around the thighs and buttocks?

Studies show that pear-shaped  individuals actually have a decreased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases compared to apple-shaped individuals.

Pear shaped:

Fat stored in the hips and thighs is subcutaneous fat, and acts as an energy storage. Fat in these areas have been shown to store harmful fatty acids (away from the heart).

Apple shaped:

 The most dangerous fat is stored INSIDE the belly (\abdominal, or visceral fat) embedded between & around organs. It can even feel hard to the touch in the protruding belly.
Visceral fat releases hormones and inflammatory markers, all contributing to diseases such as insulin resistance (diabetes), cancer, high blood pressure, and stroke. The position of this fat makes it easy for the chemicals it releases to affect nearby organs (especially the liver, where the fat drains, gaaross!)  

Bottom line: it ain't good.

Excess abdominal fat is an INDEPENDENT risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Scary.

It gets worse. Big belly's even increase the risk of dementia (doubles the risk).

Craziness! I wasn't completely convinced so I searched for an actual study and found one: the subjects in this study who had higher abdominal diameters had a 3X increased risk of dementia.

Dementia, for those who are not familiar with it, is a very sad and sometimes debilitating condition that occurs generally in the older population. Basically, loss of brain function (and therefore life function) and memory occur. Having worked in many different nursing homes with many people with dementia, this one really breaks my heart. 


Differences in men & women:

Fortunately, for us ladies, we are more prone to have pear-shapes thanks to our eStRoGeN friends, and men are more likely to store fat in the bellies. HOWEVER, a woman's body generally shifts during menopause to cause more fat storage in the belly area. Bummmerrrrr..
This model doesn't fit every man and woman either.

What to do about a spare tire?
Crunches aren't the magic answer. They might strengthen the abdominal muscles, but they won't make the fat disappear. Take a guess what will?
Total body weight loss via a healthy diet (rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy/meat/poultry) and of course our dear friend exercise.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START taking care of yourself. 


Not sure if your belly is too big??
Follow this rule:
For women its healthier to have a waist LESS than 35"
For men: keep the beer belly LESS than 40"
* you will need a cloth or plastic measuring tape..don't have one? use a string or ribbon, mark where the top of the string meets around your midsection, and then measure the string with a ruler or yard stick.
** measure slightly above the belly button



This article in 'USA today' sparked this convo. To read the actual article in the International Journal of Obesity, you need to pay $$...boooo..

Inspired yet hungry?

Maybe have an apple or a pear to start?