Obese individuals who have no signs of cardiovascular disease show a much higher prevalence of early plaque buildup in the arteries compared to healthy normal weight individuals, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study challenges the idea of “healthy” obesity, and researchers recommend all obese individuals be counseled about their risks for cardiovascular disease and receive tips for achieving a healthy weight.
Obesity can often lead to cardiovascular disease through the development of dyslipidemia (abnormal amounts of fat or cholesterol in the blood), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypertension (high blood pressure) — all common conditions in obese individuals. But, the idea of “healthy” obese, individuals whose body weight puts them in the obese category but they show no signs of cardiovascular disease, is controversial.
Researchers in this study looked at 14, 828 metabolically healthy Korean adults aged 30 to 59 years who had no known cardiovascular disease and had undergone a health checkup including cardiac tomography estimation of coronary artery calcium scores, which is a measure of calcium build up in the plaque on artery walls. CAC scoring can determine early stage heart disease, such as atherosclerosis, before symptoms are present. Obesity or normal weight was determined using a standard Asian body mass index scale.
Based on CAC scores, obese individuals were found to have a much higher prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, or early-stage plaque buildup in the arteries, than their normal weight counterparts. Atherosclerosis, if not managed, can lead to heart attack and sudden cardiac death, among other cardiovascular conditions.
“Obese individuals who are considered ‘healthy’ because they don’t currently have heart disease risk factors, should not be assumed healthy by their doctors,” said Yoosoo Chang, MD, lead author of the study and professor at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Center Center for Cohort Studies in Seoul, Korea. “Our research shows that the presence of obesity is enough to increase a person’s risk of future heart disease and that the disease may already be starting to form in their body. It’s important that these people learn this while they still have time to change their diet and exercise habits to prevent a future cardiovascular event.”
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The above story is based on materials provided by American College of Cardiology. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Original story here.
Fitness News — Sciencedaily
— Courtesy “Science News Daily” (ScienceNewsDaily.com) <p> <p>Question by Grace: Exercises for a flat stomach?
What exercises are good for getting a flat stomach?
Best answer:
Answer by Laura
Do aerobic exercises daily. Cardio exercises will heat up your core temperature and improve circulation, both of which will aid in acquiring a flat stomach. Strive for at least 30 minutes a day minimum, but include one to two days of rest each week.
Eat healthier and cut down on junk food. Replace sweets and chips with fruits and vegetables.
Eat lots of lean protein. Beans, nuts, and lean meat are rather good for you as long as you do not eat the fat!
Drink water. You should replace all your regular beverages with water, especially soda and sugared drinks. Water will make it easier to lose weight. Consider flavored water as an alternative if you must.
Do abdominal exercises three days per week. To tone your stomach, do abdominal exercises. Do regular crunches, bicycle crunches and reverse crunches at three sets of 25 repetitions each
What do you think? Answer below!
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