Friday, May 30, 2025

Fruit Nutrition Facts

Fruit Nutrition Facts
 Fruit Nutrition Facts

Introduction

One of the best foods is fruit. It is handy, nutrient-dense, and it may be reasonably priced. Whole fresh fruit normally doesn't need to be refrigerated and is portable. The majority of fruit is naturally low in calories, fat, and salt and is a good source of potassium, vitamins A and C, folate, and dietary fiber, among other important nutrients. Adults should have "1.5 to 2 cup-equivalents of fruits" per day, primarily whole fruit, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Eating fruit not only gives you the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and maintain itself. According to research, eating fruit may lower your chances of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

In addition to consuming fruits high in potassium, diets high in foods high in fiber (such as most fruits) may minimize the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. According to research, fruits may also help reduce total calorie consumption because they have fewer calories per cup than other foods.

Calories and carbohydrates in fruit

Fruit mostly contains calories from carbohydrates. The amount of calories and carbohydrates in fruit will vary depending on the fruit's kind and the serving size. 1/4 cup of dry fruit, 1/2 cup of canned fruit, or one small to medium-sized piece of fresh fruit constitutes a normal serving of fruit. There are around 60 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates in each serving of fruit. Fruits are high in calories and carbohydrates, and they may rapidly add up.

Some fruits, on the other hand, are inherently lower in calories and carbohydrates than other fruits.  For instance, there are 26 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of fresh rhubarb.  A cup of grapes, on the other hand, has 29 grams of carbohydrates and 110 calories.

Fiber in fruit

One excellent source of dietary fiber is fresh fruit.  While the amount of fiber in fruits varies, some berries, including raspberries and blackberries, include 8 grams of fiber per cup.  The fiber content of other fruits, such grapes, grapefruit, and cantaloupe, is just 1 to 2 grams per serving.  The dietary fiber that can help avoid constipation, known as insoluble fiber, is abundant in the edible peels of fruits like apples, pears, and peaches.  There is soluble fiber in many fruits, including oranges and apples, and it has been demonstrated to reduce blood cholesterol.

Fat and protein in fruit

The majority of fruits have less than one gram of fat and protein per serving, making them inherently low in both.  Desserts that contain fruits, such as strawberry ice cream or blueberry pie, may no longer be considered low in fat.  Carefully choose and cook fruit-based dishes to limit your consumption of fat.  Serve, for instance, frozen strawberries or blueberries (without additional sugar) on angel food cake or frozen yogurt.

Vitamins and minerals in fruit

Fruit is excellent in all forms, although some have more vitamins and minerals than others.  Because antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C neutralize free radicals—unstable oxygen molecules that may harm cells—they may help prevent cancer and the consequences of aging.

Include at least one fruit high in vitamin A (guava, watermelon, grapefruit, papaya, cantaloupe, apricots, dried peaches, tangerines, persimmon, and mango) and at least one fruit high in vitamin C (pineapple, plums, blueberries, honeydew melon, mango, tangerine, raspberries, grapefruit, blackberries, apricots, strawberries, oranges, kiwifruit, and watermelon) each day to ensure you are getting enough of the essential vitamins you need.

Additionally, fruits are a rich supply of potassium, a mineral that is essential for patients on diuretics that increase potassium losses and may help avoid high blood pressure.  Fruits high in potassium include bananas, pomegranates, kiwifruit, papaya, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, and honeydew melon.

If you want to get the most nutritional value out of fruit, use whole or chopped fruit instead of juice.  A dish of whole fruit can be kept in the refrigerator or on the counter to encourage you to eat more fruit.  Purchase fresh fruits while they are in season, when their flavor is at its best, and they may be less expensive.  All year long, some fruits, such as bananas and the majority of frozen fruit, are reasonably priced.

Fresh fruits

Make sure you just purchase the necessary amount of fresh fruits. Produce spoils even if it is stored correctly. Nutrient content is highest in fresh food. Purchase the fruit while it is ripe if you intend to consume it that day. Otherwise, choose food that needs some ripening time. Seasonal fresh fruit is cheaper and of superior quality. Generally speaking, fruit that is out of season costs more. When fresh fruits are handled and stored properly, their taste is enhanced, and nutritional loss is minimized.

Canned fruits

A nonperishable fruit supply to have on your kitchen shelves is provided by canned fruits, particularly during times when fresh fruit is not readily available. Labels for canned fruit should include statements such as "packed in its own juices," "packed in fruit juice," "unsweetened," "in light syrup," or "in heavy syrup." Compared to fruits packed in syrup, fruits packed in juices contain fewer calories and sugar. To determine the carbohydrate content, consult the Nutrition Facts label. Check ingredient panels on labels to see when sweeteners have been added. Each serving of canned fruit packed in syrup will have more carbohydrates than fruit packed in its own juice or fruit juice.

Frozen fruits

Since freezing inhibits the growth of microorganisms, frozen fruits are more handy and less perishable than fresh fruit.  Both sweetened and unsweetened types of frozen fruits are available for purchase.  The most common ingredients in frozen fruits with added sweetness are syrup or dried sugar.  When choosing unsweetened frozen fruit, make sure to read the Nutrition Facts panels and ingredient lists to steer clear of additional calories and carbohydrates. 

The "superstar" dessert of nature is fruit.  Incorporating two to four portions of diverse fruits daily can guarantee consumption of vital nutrients.  Fruit servings should be weighed or measured for diabetics in order to assist in regulating blood glucose levels.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Bariatric Surgery


Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Extreme and severe obesity is frequently not efficiently treated with diet and exercise alone. A procedure called bariatric surgery is done to assist these people in losing weight. Bariatric surgery may reduce mortality rates for people with extreme obesity, according to evidence, particularly if it is combined with post-operative lifestyle and nutrition modifications.

Principles of bariatric surgery

The fundamental idea behind bariatric surgery is to limit food consumption and reduce the amount of food that is absorbed in the intestines and stomach.

Food is first broken down in the mouth, where it is combined with saliva and other fluids that contain enzymes. The meal is subsequently broken down and combined with digestive fluids in the stomach to allow for the absorption of calories and nutrients. Food next passes into the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine, where it is combined with pancreatic juice and bile, speeding up digestion.

By changing or stopping this digestive process, bariatric surgery aims to prevent food from being absorbed and broken down normally. Losing weight and lowering the risk of obesity-related health hazards or illnesses are made possible by reducing the number of calories and nutrients consumed.

Body mass index (BMI)

The body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement of height in proportion to weight, is used to identify obesity levels and assess if bariatric surgery is necessary. A body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or greater than 35 kg/m2 combined with serious health issues is considered clinically severe obesity.

Heart disease, severe obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes are among the health issues linked to obesity. Patients who have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more with at least one of these diseases are eligible to undergo adjustable gastric banding, according to FDA approval.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

It is possible to undertake many kinds of bariatric operations. An "open" method to surgery entails cutting the belly open, whereas a laparoscopy involves making tiny, half-inch incisions in the abdomen to guide surgical equipment into the abdomen. 

Nowadays, laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the most common type since it needs fewer large incisions, results in less tissue damage, has fewer post-operative problems, and enables earlier hospital departure than open surgery.

Four types of operations are offered:

  • AGB, or adjustable gastric banding
  • RYGB, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
  • BPD-DS, or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch
  • Gastrectomy with vertical sleeves (VSG)

Diagram of Surgical Options. Image credit: Walter Pories, M.D. FACS.

Each surgical type has pros and cons, and a variety of patient criteria, including BMI, eating habits, obesity-related health issues, and prior stomach surgery history, influence the technique that is selected. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical procedure, the patient and provider should decide on the best course of action.

Surgical and post-operative risks

In order to minimize problems and weight gain following bariatric surgery, patients must follow a strict, lifetime diet and exercise regimen. Patients may also acquire extra loose and folded skin, which will need to be tightened and removed by further surgery.

The dangers of bariatric surgery are the same as those of any other operation, and they include infections, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), internal bleeding, and deep vein thrombosis. It is believed that there is a 1 in 200 chance of dying soon after bariatric surgery.

Reference:

https://www.nature.com/subjects/bariatric-surgery

Friday, May 23, 2025

Unsaturated Fat


Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated Fat


What Are Unsaturated Fats?

It is imperative that you include unsaturated fats in your regular diet. Your body requires fats to make hormones, maintain cell function, and aid in the absorption of oil-based vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Choosing foods that are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats that lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation is crucial since you must have fat in your diet.

What are Unsaturated Fats?

The three primary types of fat are unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats.

1. T.H. Chan, School of Public Health, Harvard University, types of fat.

Their distinctions are determined by the chemical makeup of each fat and the links that hold the fatty acid molecules together, which determines how they affect your health.

A number of hydrogen atoms are absent from unsaturated fat, in contrast to saturated fat. Because of the weaker chemical structure caused by the missing atoms, they are liquid (oily) at room temperature. The main sources of these fats are plants and some types of seafood.

Although they are mostly found in meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy products, saturated fats can also be found in tropical oils like coconut oil. These fats stay solid when stored at room temperature.

When hydrogen and vegetable oil mix, trans fats are produced. Upon reaching room temperature, the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil solidifies. In the United States, trans fats are restricted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to their detrimental effects on the heart.

The Benefits of Unsaturated Fat

Both your good and bad cholesterol levels are influenced by the fats you consume. The nasty cholesterol that clogs your arteries, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), is elevated by saturated fats. Your risk of peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes increases if you consume excessive amounts of saturated fat.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are elevated in response to unsaturated fats. The reason HDLs are referred to as good cholesterol is that they transport LDL to your liver, where it is eliminated from your body.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the two types of unsaturated fats. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids and other polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can lower inflammation and triglycerides. There are four types of body fat that raise the risk of stroke. and heart disease.

Unsaturated fats play an essential role in:

  • Providing your body with fuel
  • Encouraging the development of cells
  • Safeguarding your organs
  • Increasing absorption of nutrients
  • Creating vital hormones

Heart disease, stroke, and vascular (blood vessel) illness can all be prevented by eating a diet rich in unsaturated fats.

Foods High in Unsaturated Fats

Replace foods that are heavy in saturated fat with meals that are high in unsaturated fat. Saturated fats should make up no more than 6% of your daily caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association.

Avocados

A tasty fruit that is rich in monounsaturated fats is the avocado 1. They're also a fantastic source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.7

Adding avocado to a variety of dishes is simple:

  • On a sandwich or slice of bread, mash one up.
  • Toss pieces into your favorite soup, salad, or entrĂ©e.
  • Add them to smoothies made of fruits.

Olives

Olives contain a lot of monounsaturated fat. A versatile item, extra-virgin olive oil may be used for dressings or stovetop cookery. Adding olives to your diet to reduce cholesterol is simple, regardless of whether you decide to consume them whole, chopped, or sliced.

  • Combine them with tomato sauce.
  • To sandwiches and salads, add them.
  • Put together a tapenade.
  • To charcuterie platters or relish trays, add them.
  • As a snack, eat these.

Taste several types, such as Castelvetrano, Manzanilla, and Kalamata, to discover the range of tastes.

Nuts

These delectable delicacies are available in many different varieties. PUFAs and monounsaturated fats are both abundant in nuts.1.

Compared to other nuts, walnuts usually have more polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), whereas pecans, almonds, and pistachios include more monounsaturated fats.

Other nutritious components found in nuts include:

  • Fiber Plant-based compounds called phytosterols (which reduce cholesterol)
  • Vitamin B
  • C and E vitamins
  • Potassium
  • Protein

Due to their versatility, nuts may be included in your diet in a number of ways. Nuts can be tossed into a salad or dessert, or they can be a pleasant snack.

Fatty Fish

Lean fish is a fantastic addition to any diet that aims to reduce cholesterol. Some fish are referred to be "fatty fish" due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, a PUFA that lowers inflammation 1.

Fish in this group consist of:

Mackerel, herring, tuna, anchovies, and salmon

You may maintain heart-healthy eating habits by poaching, baking, or grilling this kind of fish. Don't cook the fish since it might add calories and bad trans fats to your diet.

Dark Chocolate

Unsaturated fat makes up less than half of the total fat in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate that has between 70% and 85% cocoa also contains magnesium, iron, and fiber. Despite the health benefits of dark chocolate, one ounce has 170 calories, so moderation is still crucial.

Steer clear of chocolate that has been sweetened. A sugar-rich diet can decrease good cholesterol while increasing bad cholesterol.

Are Supplements Just As Good?

Nutrients are best obtained by eating meals abundant in good dietary fat, particularly the vital omega-3 fatty acids. If your diet is inadequate in unsaturated fats, nutritional supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil can help guarantee that you obtain the proper quantity.


Thursday, May 22, 2025

Neck Fat

Neck Fat, often called a "double chin," is a typical worry for many people.  Although it is not a medical problem, having too much fat around the neck can have an impact on one's look and confidence.  A mix of food changes, focused exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices is needed to reduce neck fat.  Cosmetic or medical procedures could potentially be a possibility in some situations.  This article offers a thorough explanation of neck fat and practical methods for reducing it.

Neck Fat
Neck Fat

Causes

Numerous factors can contribute to excessive neck fat. Being overweight is the most prevalent condition, much like excess fat in any other region of the body. But what if you're not obese and you simply have too much neck fat?

Yes, even if a person is at their ideal weight, they may still have fat around their face and neck. Anything from water retention to more serious problems like thyroid, gland, or hormone problems might be the cause of this. On the other hand, it could just be inherited; certain people are predisposed to developing neck fat. The fat around their neck and chin cannot be safely maintained in place if the skin becomes less elastic, since their family has a history of having skin that is not particularly elastic.

In addition to genetics or overall obesity, age is another crucial factor. The Platysma is a large neck muscle that extends from the mouth to the collarbone. Because we neglect to engage this muscle in our regular activities, we eventually lose tone in it. Because of this and the delicate subcutaneous tissue on our face and neck, which is more prone to storing fat, we may be at risk for developing a double chin or a fat neck.

Impact on Life

Certain risks may arise from having too much neck fat, particularly if it is the result of obesity. People who are overweight and have a thick neck are more likely to have small airways in their throats, which can make them more susceptible to sleep apnea. The consequences of excess neck fat resulting from thyroid or hormone problems, like PCOS, are unique and should be discussed with a physician if you feel this is the source of yours. However, a common element among all of these reasons is that a fat neck may significantly affect the self-esteem of the person who has it.

A person's well-being can be severely impacted by neck fat, which can occasionally undermine their confidence to the point where they no longer feel good about themselves or desire to leave the house. Visible anxieties on a person's face and neck tend to have a greater impact on the sufferer's self-esteem since they are more difficult to conceal or disguise.

Treatments Available & How They Work

  • The good news is that there are some cutting-edge therapies available today that can make neck fat seem better.
  • We usually advise trying to reduce neck fat as a first resort by following standard practices, including leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting frequent exercise. A build-up of neck fat can be reduced using workouts designed particularly to target the neck area.
  • To obtain the best medical advice, consult a doctor if you think your neck fat may be due to water retention or another hormonal or medical problem.
  • You can choose from a variety of cosmetic and surgical procedures if you have tried both of these choices or if you don't think one of them is the underlying problem.

SculpSure Submental – Non-Surgical

Cynosure's groundbreaking neck sculpting procedure is called SculpSure Submental. In clinical studies, it has a 100% patient satisfaction rate and is the newest therapy on the market for treating the neck and chin area.

Using laser technology, SculpSure targets and eliminates fat cells. The body's lymphatic system then removes the injured cells over the course of four to six weeks, ensuring their permanent removal.

Just two SculpSure Submental treatments have been shown to produce amazing improvements for patients with neck obesity.

Virtually painless, the SculpSure Submental procedure is entirely non-invasive. The procedure just takes twenty-five minutes, and there is no recovery period after the procedure.

BOTOX – Non-Surgical

BOTOX paralyzes (temporarily) specific facial expressive regions, which can be used cosmetically to lessen or eliminate wrinkles.

This would include administering BOTOX injections to the neck cords and submental region, reshaping the jawline and neck, and producing a lift effect.

Although a consultation is necessary to determine your specific needs, this particular treatment involves many injections in various jaw and neck regions. Usually, BOTOX injections take less than 20 minutes, and there is no recovery period after the process.

The duration of BOTOX injections' effects is four to six months.

Liposuction – Surgical

If none of the aforementioned alternatives are thought to be appropriate for you, liposuction is a surgical option.

In liposuction, a tiny incision is made beneath the chin, a tube is introduced, and fat is extracted using a suction technique. Usually, a general anesthetic or, in certain situations, a local anesthetic is used during the treatment. The typical healing period for a patient is a few weeks, during which time they may have bruising, swelling, and even numbness.

Repeat treatments are rarely necessary unless the patient continues to acquire weight as a result of lifestyle decisions.


Monday, May 19, 2025

Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss


Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss
Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss


How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea

A very common condition called sleep apnea causes breathing problems when a person is asleep. A small or restricted upper airway causes disturbed breathing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most prevalent form of sleep apnea. Breathing via a straw is analogous. Every night, those with severe OSA may experience up to thirty breathing disturbances.

Numerous significant connections between sleep apnea and excess body weight are becoming apparent as the medical community gains more knowledge about the condition. In addition to causing sleep apnea, being overweight can aggravate its symptoms and intensify its negative health implications. Weight gain can also result from sleep deprivation, creating a vicious cycle. Numerous studies indicate that weight loss helps with sleep apnea, which is encouraging. Understanding the intricate relationships between obesity and sleep apnea is crucial if you are dealing with any of these issues.

Why Excess Weight Causes Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more likely to occur in those who are overweight or obese, while it can be caused by a number of medical issues. Pharyngeal fat is a kind of fat deposit that develops in the neck of people who are overweight. When a person's upper airway is already relaxed during sleep, pharyngeal fat might obstruct it. Because of this, snoring is one of the most typical signs of sleep apnea; it sounds like air being forced through a narrowed airway.

Furthermore, a person's chest wall may be compressed by an increase in stomach circumference brought on by extra fat, which would reduce lung volume. Airflow is decreased by this diminished lung capacity.

1. increasing the likelihood that the upper airway may collapse as you sleep. As the body mass index rises, the risk of OSA keeps increasing.

2 BMI), which measures one’s body fat based on height and weight. Even a 10% weight gain is associated with a six-fold increase 

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

Although being overweight has long been recognized as a risk factor for OSA, there is growing evidence that the association is bidirectional. This is due to the fact that sleep deprivation is linked to elevated ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone, and reduced leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, which may heighten desires for meals high in calories. More evidence suggests that sleep deprivation causes obesity, overeating, and a reduction in fat loss after calorie restriction.

Additionally, it seems that those with OSA, in particular, would be more prone to gaining weight than those without the condition but with the same BMI and overall health. One study demonstrated this by showing that individuals with OSA acquired a substantial amount of weight (around 16 pounds). 

Sleep Apnea and Overweight Health Risks

When people with sleep apnea don't receive adequate sleep, their cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary systems are under a lot of stress. This may be particularly problematic for overweight people since obesity raises the risk of metabolic, lung, and cardiac problems.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Health

Sleep apnea affects the cardiovascular system as a whole in several ways. With every breathing delay, the body's oxygen supply diminishes, triggering the "fight or flight" response. The sleeper is awakened and forced to open their airway again as a result of this reaction, which raises their pulse rate and blood pressure. It repeats this pattern all night long. The cyclical increase and fall of blood oxygen levels can cause inflammation, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels associated with heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure..

Furthermore, sleep apnea disrupts the part of the neurological system that controls blood flow and pulse, alters the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, increases blood levels of glucose and carbon dioxide, and results in insulin resistance. Thus, among other problems, sleep apnea is associated with the following metabolic, pulmonary, and cardiac problems:

Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension


  • Other arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation

  • Heart failure

  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, also referred to as "mini-strokes") and stroke

  • Diabetes type 2

  • Metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity)

Can Losing Weight Cure Sleep Apnea?

Like many other conditions, sleep apnea is treated by changing one's lifestyle and behavior. Working for a healthy body weight is part of this for the majority of OSA patients. Losing weight lessens fat buildup in the tongue and neck. 

 Many of the symptoms associated with OSA, including daytime drowsiness, can also be considerably reduced by losing weight. Furthermore, there is a notable improvement in irritability and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, there has been an improvement in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.

Friday, May 9, 2025

Visceral Fat

What is Visceral Fat?

Visceral fat is the type of belly fat that is located deep within the abdominal cavity. Your stomach, liver, and intestines are among the vital organs it envelops. It is not the same as subcutaneous fat, which is fat that is located directly beneath the skin. Your health is really at greater risk from visceral fat. Visceral fat accumulation may be avoided most effectively with diet and exercise.

Visceral fat is a kind of body fat that surrounds your organs and is located deep inside your abdominal walls. Visceral fat in certain amounts is beneficial and protects your organs. However, your health may be at risk if you have too much visceral fat. Due to its active participation in bodily activities, visceral fat is frequently referred to as "active fat." Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are among the major health problems that can result from having too much visceral fat.


Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of visceral fat?

Although it can also suggest subcutaneous fat, the most noticeable indication of visceral fat is an expanding belly. You may have more visceral fat if you have a potbelly or are more "apple-shaped" than "pear-shaped," according to some research.

What causes visceral fat?

  • You accumulate visceral fat due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Your body's form and the way it accumulates visceral fat are determined by your genes.

  • Environmental variables like exercise and food, however, are also quite important. A sedentary lifestyle and a bad diet that includes a lot of fatty foods and carbs (sugars) are the main causes of visceral fat accumulation.

  • But stress also plays a role. Stress causes your body to release the hormone cortisol. Your body's "fight-or-flight" reaction is triggered by elevated cortisol, which leads to an increase in visceral fat accumulation.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is visceral fat measured?

Healthcare professionals assess body fat according to certain norms. In Most cases, nearly 10% of your body fat is visceral fat. By taking 10% of your overall body fat percentage, you may determine your visceral fat level. Your visceral fat range will also be greater than advised if your body fat proportion is.

Ways to measure body fat:

  • Measure your waist by wrapping a piece of tape around it, right above the hip bones. Women who are 35 inches or longer run the risk of developing health issues related to visceral fat. The figure is 40 inches or greater for guys.

  • Measure both your hip and waist sizes (wrap a tape measure around the widest area of your hips) to get your waist-to-hip ratio. Calculate your hip-to-waist ratio. Abdominal obesity is indicated by a waist-to-hip ratio more than 0.85 for women and 0.90 for males.

  • Your height and weight are used by the body mass index, or BMI, to determine your body fat percentage. A BMI of 30 or above may indicate overweight and a higher percentage of visceral fat in both men and women.

  • The ratio of waist to height is calculated by dividing the two. A ratio of no more than 0.5 is considered healthy for both men and women. Some medical professionals favor the waist-to-height proportion. Other techniques are less successful in differentiating between subcutaneous and visceral fat.

Management and Treatment

How do you get rid of visceral fat?

  • The greatest strategy to reduce visceral fat is to keep up a healthy lifestyle. By following the same diet and exercise regimens that you would use to reduce weight and body fat overall, you may also reduce your visceral fat level. Here are some strategies to lower visceral fat:
  • Exercise: Make an effort to work out for at least half an hour each day. Strength and cardio training are examples of this. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a well-liked workout. HIIT exercises alternate between short bursts of high-intensity activity and rapid recuperation. You may burn fat more quickly with the resistance and aerobic workout that HIIT provides.

  • Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Limit processed foods, salt, trans fats, and refined sugars. By teaching your body to use fat as fuel instead of carbohydrates, low-carb diets like the ketogenic (or "keto") diet can help decrease visceral fat.

  • A weight loss technique called intermittent fasting involves alternating between times when you eat and times when you don't. It could assist in lowering your visceral fat levels.

  • Maintain proper sleep hygiene by getting a decent night's rest. Your risk of developing more visceral fat may rise if you don't get enough sleep. Aim for a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

  • Reduce stress: Stress causes your body to release the hormone cortisol. Your body's "fight-or-flight" reaction is triggered by elevated cortisol, which leads to an increase in visceral fat accumulation. Try yoga or meditation to help you de-stress.

  • Reduce the quantity of alcohol you consume since too much of it might cause your body to retain more visceral fat.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Seeing your doctor on a regular basis is crucial. They are able to monitor your visceral fat as well as your body fat percentage. Get in touch with your provider if you do a home body fat measurement and the results are greater than what is advised. They can discuss the hazards to your health with you and suggest a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24147-visceral-fat

Monday, May 5, 2025

Obesity Classes

Obesity classes 1, 2, and 3

Obesity Classes
Obesity Classes

Being a complicated illness, obesity can be challenging to understand. Obesity is frequently classified into three classes: class 1, class 2, and class 3. However, what differentiates these categories, and what is their purpose?  The purpose of this essay is to help you better understand obesity and the terminology that doctors frequently use to describe it.

Let's begin by begin with defining body mass index, or body mass index, as it is used to distinguish between the various categories of obesity. In a nutshell, BMI is a proxy for body fat that is calculated by comparing height and weight. A "healthy" weight is defined as having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2, with anything below or above this range being categorized as underweight or overweight.

  • A body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 indicates that you are underweight.
  • It is considered "healthy" if one weighs between 18.5 and less than 25.0.
  • Your BMI is considered overweight if it is between 25.0 and less than 30.0.
  • You become obese if your BMI is 30.0 or over.

It is important to recognize the limits of utilizing the body mass index as a means of screening for obesity, even if a higher BMI is frequently employed in medical clinics as an indicator of the health concerns linked to obesity. For instance, because BMI does not take advantage of muscle mass or the decrease of muscular mass in certain people, it may exaggerate or underestimate body fat. Additionally, it is unable to show the distribution of body fat, therefore, it cannot differentiate between males and females.

Recommended BMI-based obesity classification

  • Class 1 Obesity: BMI in the range of 30 to 35
  • Class 2 Obesity: BMI between 35 and less than 40
  • Class 3 Obesity: BMI of 40 or previously.

When assessing obesity, healthcare professionals often follow the categories listed above, but they might vary depending on factors like gender or race. For instance, studies on health issues have shown that Asian people are more likely to have greater body fat percentages at lower BMIs; consequently, lower BMI cut-off values are frequently used for these groups.

The severity of obesity is shown by the various grades of obesity. Class 3 is the most severe but least prevalent. There may be an array of therapies available, depending on the degree of obesity. Weight loss drugs that help control hunger and prevent weight return may be available through a physician for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health issues, including high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

It is very important that you visit a healthcare professional if you are worried that your BMI may be excessive, even though it is higher than thirty. You have a number of alternatives to help you. Look it up here.

Your general well-being can be greatly improved by losing even 5% of your body weight (5 kg if you weigh 100 kg). According to a study, anyone with a BMI above 30 may decrease their risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% if they lose and keep off around 7% of their body weight.

This type of loss of weight is possible, but it is frequently considerably more difficult to do on someone else. Visit the Truth About Weight article area here for further information to help you on your weight decrease quest or to learn more about obesity and its causes.

References

Nordisk, N. (2024, December 13). Obesity classes 1, 2 and 3: What is the difference? https://www.truthaboutweight.global/global/en/what-is-obesity/obesity-classes.html

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