63% of Americans are overweight and 31% are obese with a BMI in excess of 30.0. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past two decades and according to the U.S. Surgeon General obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths every year. Research also shows that severe obesity may be harder on men than on women.
Apparently the shape of your body determines your risk for certain diseases. There are three common male body shapes, banana, apple, and pear. An apple body shape puts men at the highest risk for disease, mainly because the weight is being held around the waist, which is more common in men. Women tend to carry more of their weight around the hips, thighs and buttocks also known as a pear shape.
Overall, people who have an apple shape are at a higher risk for a number of conditions known as the metabolic syndrome. Which includes high blood glucose, high blood pressure and dyslipodemia. The problem with these conditions is that, they are all risk factors for coronary heart disease. Which is why it is so important for people who do have an apple shape to do what they can to reduce it. Including, weight loss and exercise. Loosing the waist weight will decrease the risk for many of these issues and for heart disease as well as prevent the occurrence of new problems.
How do you determine if you are at a higher risk for these conditions?
• First of all are you over your normal body weight?
• Do you know your BMI? (BMI is body mass index and it depends on your height, weight and usually your age.) You can go to This Site to determine your BMI.
• When you gain weight do you have to buy new pants?
• Does it feel like you carry most of your weight in your mid area?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are likely to have an apple body shape.
About the Author -
Lisa Macfarlane is a professional health writer and editor who specializes in sexual health and health issues.
