The Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) has published a study that warns that the area of the body where fat is accumulated is a more important cardiovascular risk factor than excess weight (obesity or overweight) and therefore recommends measure waist circumference instead of just calculating body mass index (BMI).
Depending on the location of excess fat, there are two types of obesity; the so-called peripheral (excess fat is located in the buttocks, thighs and arms), and the central (excess fat is concentrated in the abdomen). The latter is the one with the worst consequences for the body.
- For this reason, the FEC recommends following a healthy lifestyle and regularly monitoring the levels of fat in the body. Some tips are:
- Stay hydrated, as it will prevent fluid retention
- Keeping your weight within reasonable limits, therefore, eating a diet free of saturated fats, simple sugars and excessive calories is very important for the normal functioning of the heart.
- Carry out aerobic exercises properly combined with strength training, since the first will allow a greater caloric expenditure, while the second will strengthen the muscles, improve posture and increase basal metabolism.
- Get enough rest and take time for yourself. That will help relieve stress and hormones will improve your picture regarding the accumulation of fat in the abdomen.
- Do not lose sight of the position, remember that sitting badly with a curved spine favors less development of the abdominal muscles and the accumulation of fat will be greater.
- Do not cause a severe caloric restriction, since it can slow down your metabolism and thus the caloric expenditure will be less, therefore, the fat burning process will take more time.