Over 70% of American adults and over 18% of kids are overweight or obese. Here are 6 important things to be aware of regarding extra weight:
• Increased weight increases cancer risk: Research shows increased Estrogen (fat cells produce Estrogen), increased Insulin (excess weight often leads to higher blood insulin levels) and Inflammation (excess weight can lead to chronic low-level inflammation) can at least double your cancer risk.
• Fat cells are hard to lose: A Mayo clinic study found that increased abdominal fat was due to increased fat cell size while increased leg fat was from new fat cells. Researchers concluded it's easier to shrink fat cells back to their original size vs. getting rid of new fat cells.
• A big waist is not good: A larger waist could mean more visceral (deep belly) fat. Visceral fat cells release a lot of fat which goes to the liver. A fatty liver makes more triglycerides which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Saturated fats may increase deep belly fat: Substitute saturated fats from butter and palm oil with canola, olive or sunflower oils.
• Sugars may increase liver and deep belly fat: Fructose that makes up about 50% of table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup is the likely villain.
• An extra 5-20 pounds can increase risk for Type-2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis: Try to stay as close to what you weighed when you were 20.
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