Being slim is not enough; just as being fat is not “fat”. It matters where and how fatty tissue is distributed in your body. Belly fat is is sneaky, because it’s tucked away inside your body, in-between your vital organs and gives you “a false sense of security” about how healthy you actually are.
You may not be overweight, but still have too much belly fat for your size. Belly fat has been proven to be a major risk factor for the following:
- Inflammation, which increases your risk for coronary heart disease, dementia and certain cancers.
- Reduced sensitivity for insulin, which could lead to diabetes
- Worsen symptoms for asthma patients
How will you know if you have too much body fat?
- Use a tape and measure the smallest area around your waist or belly button
- Now measure the widest area around your hips, where you feel bony potrusion
- Then divide the first figure by the second figure
Results:
- If you are female your results should not exceed 0,8 (apples are above 0,8; pears are below 0,8 in women)
- If you are male your results should not exceed 0,9 (apples are above 0,9; pears are below 0, in men)
Pic: ADAM
So know your body shape. Are you an apple or a pear?
Belly Fat explained in Pidgin English:
