Blisstree » visceral-fat http://www.blisstree.com Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:47:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 What’s Causing Waistline Fat in Menopause http://www.blisstree.com/articles/whats-causing-waistline-fat-in-menopause/ http://www.blisstree.com/articles/whats-causing-waistline-fat-in-menopause/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:07:12 +0000 Peggy Rowland http://www.blisstree.com/?p=107522 Post from: Blisstree

What’s Causing Waistline Fat in Menopause

]]> Simply getting older isn’t what causes visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs at the waistline. Visceral fat is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat since it contributes to premature atherosclerosis and risk of acute coronary syndrome.

So, what exactly is the culprit in this waistline fat that puts the health of middle-aged women at risk? New research says that an increase in levels of active testosterone is at fault.

belly-fat-menopause

While the loss of estrogen was often blamed for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in middle age, researchers at Rush University Medical Center now believe that it’s really the change in hormonal balance (particularly the increase in testosterone) that’s to blame. The study results were published in the medical journal Obesity.

Study details

  • Participants – 359 women in menopausal transition, ages 42 to 60
  • Tests – Abdominal fat was measured with CT scans, and blood tests assessed testosterone and estradiol levels. Medical histories determined if other factors may be responsible for visceral fat.
  • Results – Statistical analysis revealed that active testosterone is the best predictor of visceral fat. Age, race, other cardiovascular risk factors and level of estradiol didn’t appear to have a relationship to the amount of visceral fat.

Now that researchers may have discovered what’s to blame, perhaps they’ll come up with a middle-age belly fat cure next!

(Image via MorgueFile)

Post from: Blisstree

What’s Causing Waistline Fat in Menopause

]]> http://www.blisstree.com/articles/whats-causing-waistline-fat-in-menopause/feed/ 1 Heart Health With Minimal Weight Loss http://www.blisstree.com/articles/heart-health-with-minimal-weight-loss-221/ http://www.blisstree.com/articles/heart-health-with-minimal-weight-loss-221/#comments Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:31:38 +0000 Claire http://www.burningthescale.com/heart-health-with-minimal-weight-loss/ Post from: Blisstree

Heart Health With Minimal Weight Loss

]]> powerwalking.jpgIn the news: You don’t necessarily have to be thin to be fit. A study of 400 overweight, sedentary women who exercised daily (as little as a brisk walk) for six months showed that they reduced their risk for a heart attack. Their aerobic fitness improved and their waistlines got smaller – without any weight loss (AOL Body).
As I’ve written in previous posts, having excess weight around your waist will increase your risk for a heart attack. Exercise has been proven to decrease this kind of fat (visceral fat). That includes weight-lifting, which has the same beneficial effects as cardio on fat loss.
If you’re looking to be healthier and fitter, weight loss isn’t a must – just incorporate some daily exercise. Your heart will thank you for it!

Claire

Post from: Blisstree

Heart Health With Minimal Weight Loss

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