WOD Thursday, 01/15/09

It seems science and medicine tell us people with a lot of belly fat are at higher risk of health problems than people who accumulate fat in other areas — and men are more likely than women to put on weight around the waist.

Our bodies are designed to store fat for release during times when there is not enough food. But when we put on weight and never have these lean times, fat cells begin to release fat molecules into the blood at a higher rate. This affects normal metabolism and the way the body uses insulin. These metabolic changes can worsen or increase your risk of health problems, including: diabetes and insulin resistance which you know lead to a lot of worse problems in the body.

When you lose fat through CrossFit and sticking to a Paleolithic diet we know you can improve metabolism and avoid this insulin related problems. These will also reduce your risk of other health problems — and may improve existing health problems.

How can you tell if you have too much belly fat?

I found an article that tells us a good indicator of whether you have too much belly fat. Although measurements that compare your hip and waist circumference (waist-to-hip ratio) or compare your height and weight (body mass index) are more precise and can be useful for research, your waist size alone can give you a pretty good idea of how much belly fat you have.

For most men, the risk factors for heart disease and other diseases increase with a waist size over 40 inches (102 centimeters). This number seems to a guideline used in American Medicine for a way to determine people at risk. I am not sure if I agree with this simple guideline for everyone but it could could have merit for the average American.

How to lose belly fat?

CrossFit with a Paleo Diet. This website is dedicated to helping our athletes live a healthier life; a life free of disease, illness and obesity. Through the use of CrossFit and strength training we are able to create stronger, leaner and healthier athletes. This articel goes on to discuss that "most people need at least 30 minutes a day…exercise to stay healthy". They offer the prescription of moderate to easy exercise to stay healthy, while in CrossFit if you see an WOD that lasts 30 mins you know that you are in for a bad pain storm. Medicine is searching for a way to identify factors that lead to sickness and poor healthy. They are using this 40" waist as a determining factor for insulin related illness. An easier measure is to take a look at their diet and excercise history and make a determination on their level of health. If they consume a diet of package and processed foods, never consume fats, get the majority of calories from gluten sources and their only excercise is hunting for the remote control before watching television then we know these individuals are at risk for sickness and illness. A lifestyle plagued by the "american diet" and marked by laziness seems to be better indicator for health than a 40" waist.

How to stay healthy?

Eat meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds, a little fruit, a little starch and no sugar. Eat everything in its most basic form; only eat food that has one ingredient. Do CrossFit and lift heavy weights. Run hard and play hard. Drink plenty of water.