The obesity epidemic is one of the biggest setbacks in the history of mankind. We are losing this war. However, we are not losing the battle. Although it will take a lot of courage and will power, we can find ways to reverse this trend. The first step is to acknowledge that our extra weight is out of control. Secondly, we must identify the causes behind this disease. Knowledge is power. Thirdly, we need a call to action. Excessive visceral fat is going down once and for all. Enough is enough.
The Problem with Excessive Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is a strange phenomenon. For starters, it is not visible to the human eye. It can only be seen by Imaging tests such as a Computer Technology (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. Secondly, it is hideous and can wrap around your organs. The worst-case scenario, excessive visceral fat can cause blood clots and even cause brain damage. This is a relentless, vicious body invader.
Visceral Fat and Testosterone
Reseach shows that visceral fat interferes with the production of testosterone. For example, testosterone levels begin to decrease around middle age, especially for men. Also, the protruding belly is most common in men. This is the main indication of visceral fat. If left untreated, belly fat leads to other serious health problems.
Normal levels of testosterone are crucial to fueling our metabolism. If you have gained weight in your midsection, it is the result of low testosterone. In addition, you feel tired or fatigued. This is a sign of low testosterone. At the end of the day, you are too tired to exercise, and you begin to gain weight. The more weight you gain, the more body fat. This vicious cycle continues day in, day out. Get Rid of Visceral Fat
Solutions to Reduce Visceral Fat
The good news is, there is a way to break the cycle. It’s time to take control of your life. First, do a self-assessment. Then, find out what is keeping your stress levels elevated. How many hours of sleep are you getting? Is your body getting the nutrients it deserves? Do you get thirty minutes of exercise five times a week? These factors play a role in keeping you physically and emotionally healthy.
What Role Does Metabolism Play?
Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. During this process, calories in food and beverages are combined with oxygen. The oxygen releases the energy your body needs to function. Even when your body is at rest, it needs energy for your breathing, blood circulation, hormone adjustment and cell growth and repair.
What is Your Basal Metabolic Rate?
Your body uses calories to carry out these certain functions. These functions are known as your basal metabolic rate. Better known as metabolism. There are several factors to determine your individual basal metabolism, including:
Body size and composition
- People who are larger have more muscle
- Burn more calories even at rest.
Sex:
- Men have less body fat
- More muscle than do women
- Even if they are the same age and weight.
- Men have more testosterone
Age:
- As you get older, muscle mass decreases
- You burn fewer calories.
- Your metabolism slows down
In addition to your basal metabolic rate, two other factors determine how many calories your body burns:
Food Processing (thermogenesis):
- Digesting
- Absorbing
- Transporting
- Storing the food you consume.
Physical Activity:
- Physical Activity and Exercise burn daily calories
- Activity determine amount of calories burned daily
- Examples: tennis, walking, swimming, house work
Maintaining a healthy body is a full time job. It is easier for some people. However, for many people, weight control is a major challenge. How your body handles food is a key factor. For example, everyone has a different metabolism.
While your best friend can eat a whole banana creme pie and never put on a pound, another person gains 2 pounds just by smelling the aroma of home-made peach cobbler. Your metabolism is complex. In fact:
- By doing strength resistance you build more muscle
- The more muscle you have, the better metabolism
- More muscle, more calories burned
- The higher your muscle mass, the stronger your metabolic rate.
- Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast
How to do NEAT Exercises
Did you know there are certain exercises that you do that are not exercises? Sounds a little out there? Not really. These are known as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. They were given this name by scientists. This type of activity include walking from room to room, gardening and fidgeting. NEAT accounts for about 100 to 800 calories used per day.
Metabolism Slows with Age
Research shows that metabolism slows down with age. So, being less active, contributes to a sluggish metabolism. On the flip side, exercise increases your metabolism. Moreover, men at any age tend to have faster metabolisms than women. This is because they have more muscle mass, larger bones, and in most cases have less body fat.
The Definition of Metabolism
Your metabolism includes all the things your body does to turn food into energy. It keeps you going. Not everyone will have the same metabolic rate. For example, your metabolic rate depends on your age, sex, gender and genes. Sometimes a sluggish thyroid decreases your metabolic rate. Therefore, exercise is extremely important. It builds up muscles. In fact, muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells. At the end of the day, your gym membership will pay off.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome increases your risk of other chronic diseases. When the doctor says you have metabolic syndrome, take what he says very seriously. This is a cluster of health conditions that include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels. Consequently, the visceral fat around the abdomen is most detrimental.
This package of diseases requires a call to action. Trust me, I have had a few of these disorders. They are harmful to your overall health. The good news, is you can reverse all the above by making a few changes in your life. In summary, all the conditions in the metabolic syndrome are related.
Another factor of visceral fat (VF) is that it increases with menopause. It is also a strong predictor of metabolic syndrome in women. In fact, menopausal women are predisposed to excess fat due to extreme hormonal changes.
How Many People Suffer with Metabolic Syndrome?
While around 1 in 3 Americans have metabolic syndrome, people over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, many people over sixty are in perfect health. It all boils down to lifestyle. Check my article on the Blue Zone.
Metabolism Boosters
Other natural ways to kick-start your metabolism are:
- Green Tea Extract
- Capsaisin
- Aerobic activity
- Muscle-strengthening exercises
Final Take Home
The human body is an amazing instrument. Perhaps, it is one of the most complex designs ever built. However, it takes understanding and commitment to keep it running in optimal condition. In this day and age, we are a far cry from the gold standard of health. Instead, we are facing one of the most critical times in the history of creation.
Unfortunately, the obesity crisis has taken the world by storm. If this situation is left unchecked, we can forget about a healthier, happier next generation. We must make a “call to action” ASAP. We are, literally, digging our graves with our teeth. This has to stop! This must stop! Take a deep breath and reset your sails in a positive direction.
Thank you for burning a few calories on this metabolic journey. What are your thoughts about the obesity crisis? Have you decided to take control of your life? Are you setting a good example for the next generation? I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts. Together, we can make a real change. I know we CAN reverse the obesity crisis. What do you think?
Yours truly,
Rachele, Founder
mybluegenes.com