Belly fat || weight cycling ups kidney cancer risk

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese appear to have a greater risk of developing, renal cell carcinoma, a common form of kidney cancer, and study findings suggest that a larger waist girth and a history of weight loss and regain further increase this risk.

"Our study suggests that the risk of renal cell carcinoma can be lowered if overweight individuals lose excess central body fat and then maintain stable weight at a more desirable level," Dr. Juhua Luo, of Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden told Reuters Health.

Luo and colleagues analyzed data from more than 140,000 U.S. women, aged 50 to 79 years, enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative study.

They compared associations between the development of renal cell carcinoma, a cancer of the lining of the kidney, and the women's body weight and frequency of weight loss and regain (weight cycling) over an average of 7.7 years.

The findings are published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Overall, obese women with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 35, had a 60 percent excess risk of renal cell carcinoma compared with women of normal weight (BMI less than 25), the researchers note. This risk increased 3 percent for every unit increase in BMI.

When the investigators analyzed abdominal obesity as an independent risk factor they found that each 0.1-unit increase in waist-to-hip ratio increased the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma by 24 percent.

Moreover, women with a history of 10 or more weight cycles had more than double the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, compared with women who held a steady weight over the study period, the investigators note.

The researchers say their findings provide further evidence that obesity, particularly central adiposity, is associated with increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, and that a history of weight cycling may further increase this risk among postmenopausal women.

Article source:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/lifestyle/2007-10/06/content_6154740.htm

Is Your Brain Connected to Your Belly?

Friday, June 5, 2009

Alzheimer's disease has a number of risk factors that are only now beginning to be understood. One of the most unexpected risk factors (at least unexpected by me) is the link between mid-life belly fat and Alzheimer's disease risk. Let's call it the belly-brain link.

What is the Belly-Brain Link?

A solid study of over 6,000 people showed a link between belly fat in mid-life and the development of Alzheimer's disease in later life. These people had their belly fat (abdominal fat) measured when they were in their 40s. After an average of 36 years, 16% of the people in the study developed dementia (a symptom of Alzheimer's disease). People with the highest amounts of belly fat were almost three times more likely to develop dementia than those with the lowest amounts of fat.

Bigger Belly, Triple Risk

This tripling of risk does not bode well for most Americans. Over 50% of us have too much belly fat. Between the increase of risk factors such as belly fat and the longer lifespan of Americans, Alzheimer's disease is expected to become more and more common in the decades ahead.

Does Belly Fat Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

We really can't say that at all. Belly fat is linked to a higher risk of dementia (which can develop into Alzheimer's disease), but we don't know if people who put on belly fat may have a genetic difference that also creates an increase on dementia risk. But it seems like keeping off the belly fat is a good idea, not just for your brain but for your heart too.

Keep Off the Belly Fat

The best way to trim your belly fat is to watch your diet and increase your exercise (nothing new there). Work on eating more fruits and vegetables and less junk. Here is a simple rule to try: It doesn't count as a vegetable if it touches cheese, butter or cream. Use olive oil and spices to flavor your vegetables, and eat at least 2 fruit snacks every day.


Article Source:
http://longevity.about.com/od/mentalfitness/a/belly_dementia.htm

Belly Fat Linked to Risk of Migraines

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

"Study Shows Excess Belly Fat May Increase Risk of Migraines for Men and Women Under 55"

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Feb. 13, 2009 -- Belly fat has been linked to increased risks for heart disease and diabetes. Now new research suggests it may also be linked to an increased risk for migraines, at least until middle age.

Waist circumference was found to be a better predictor of migraine activity than general obesity in both men and women up until age 55.

Earlier research has linked obesity with an increase in the frequency of migraines in people who already have them. But the new study is one of the few to suggest that obesity raises the overall risk for migraines.

And it is the first to examine whether belly fat may play a specific role in migraines and severe frequent headaches.

The findings will be presented in April at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Seattle.

Belly Fat and Migraines

Researchers from Philadelphia's Drexel University College of Medicine examined data collected from more than 22,000 participants in the ongoing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The survey included measurements of both abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference, and overall obesity, as determined by body mass index (BMI). The data also include self-reported estimates of migraine and severe headache frequency.

Women are three times as likely as men to suffer from migraines. Researcher B. Lee Peterlin, DO, tells WebMD that the findings may help researchers understand this gender difference.

"This may be one piece of the puzzle," she says. "This does not suggest that if you lose your extra abdominal fat it will cure your migraines. But it may be a clue to help explain the sexual dimorphism in migraine."

Even after controlling for overall obesity, excess belly fat was associated with a significant increase in migraine activity in both men and women between the ages of 20 and 55.

"This is the age when migraine is most prevalent," she says. "Our findings suggest that both general obesity and abdominal obesity are associated with an increased prevalence of migraine in this age group."

Women with extra belly fat were 30% more likely to experience migraines than women without excess belly fat, even after accounting for overall obesity, risk factors for heart disease, and demographic characteristics. The link between belly fat and migraines in men in this age group was not significant when accounting for these factors.

Migraines in Women

The findings suggest that belly fat is an important risk factor for migraine, but it may be more important in women than in men, Peterlin says.

After age 55, carrying extra weight around the middle appeared to be associated with a slight decrease in migraine risk in women, but the reasons for this are not clear.

"That was a surprise," Peterlin says. "It appears that there is an impact at every age, but it changes. In women under 55, belly fat is bad. But over 55, having belly fat may actually be mildly protective against migraine."

Migraine researcher Stephen Silberstein, MD, tells WebMD that the new research raises more questions than it answers.

Silberstein is a spokesman for the American Academy of Neurology and a professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

"The large population-based studies indicate that obesity correlates with the frequency, but not the presence of migraines," he says. "This is the first time anyone has looked at abdominal girth and they found that it predicts the presence of migraines. This is an interesting observation, but these findings would definitely need to be duplicated."

Article source:

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20090213/belly-fat-linked-to-risk-of-migraines

Turbulence Training 21-Day Trial Offer

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Skeptical?

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You see, I'm going to let you try the Turbulence Training Program and ALL of the Bonuses for Less Than Five Bucks.

For 21-days you'll get to try the Turbulence Training workouts and all you pay is $4.95 during that time. Heck, you can spend that much in a Starbucks just for a coffee!

This program usually costs $39.95, but you can start a 21-day trial for only $4.95. If you like it, you'll be billed the remaining $35.00 investment at the end of your 21-day trial period.

And nothing will be held back. You'll get access to the entire Turbulence Training for Fat Loss system, plus you'll still get your free membership into the TT Member's area where you can ask me any question you want about your fat loss workouts and nutrition program.

You have nothing to lose. If you don't like the program, you can ask for your money back. So there is no risk to you. Instead, you can get started on the world's most popular home-gym fat burning workout program that you can do with minimal equipment and in minimum time to help you burn belly fat.

Say goodbye to long, slow, boring cardio workouts that don't burn anything but your time away. Instead, you'll get proven fat burning workouts used by over 8,771 men and women to lose over 41,000 pounds of disgusting body fat.

Plus, you'll get Dr. Chris Mohr's Nutrition for Fat Loss Guidelines, and all of the bonus workouts that come in the Turbulence Training for Fat Loss package.

This program usually costs $39.95, but you can start a 21-day trial for only $4.95. If you like it, you'll be billed the remaining $35.00 investment at the end of your 21-day trial period.

Click here to download your $4.95 Full-Access Fat Burning Trial Offer

"Steve Hays Reverses the Aging Process & Loses Man Boobs...By Losing 33.4 Pounds of Fat and 7.5 Inches From His Gut in Just 12 Weeks"

"12 weeks ago, I was nearly 34 pounds heavier. I was 271 pounds, the heaviest I’d ever been in my life. I felt fat. My XL clothes were tight, and I had just bought size 40 jeans (a first in my life). Despite all this, I didn’t do anything about it, until my 3 year old son asked me why I had “big boobies.” I can’t think of a more embarrassing question a son can ask his Dad.

I have three kids, and my oldest is only 4 years old, so I didn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to getting in shape. I thought it took 90 minutes a day, 6 days a week to get into shape. In addition, I’ve never been able to stick with a nutrition or workout plan for longer than a month. Then I read about Turbulence Training.

With Turbulence Training, I never worked out more than 3 days a week. Turbulence Training works. I am proof of that."
Steve Hays

"Emily Johnson Fits Back Into Her Skinny Jeans, Losing 15.5 Pounds, 5.3% Body Fat, 2 Inches from Her Waist, and 4 Inches of Belly Fat"

"When I began my transformation, I had been trying for years to lose weight. What I appreciate most about Craig’s system is its simplicity. I am now spending less time in the gym than before and getting my best results ever.

I never realized how much of a difference social support can really make but being surrounded by the other amazing people on the TT forum who were all working towards a similar goal and facing similar challenges was an integral part of keeping me motivated and moving towards my goal.

During my 12 week journey I lost 15.5 lbs, inches off everywhere, and 5.3% body fat...I was able to take “after pictures” fitting comfortably into a pair of size 27 jeans that I haven’t fit into in years!

I guess the only thing I can say is thanks so much to Craig for creating this incredible system and to all of my fellow transformers who were an unending source of motivation, support, and inspiration."
Emily Johnson

PS - If you are sick and tired of doing all that cardio and getting NO results, then change your workout today and grab the Turbulence Training system for only $4.95.

Your results are guaranteed by my 100% money back promise. If you aren't satisfied with your results from the program, just let us know and you'll be refunded your $4.95 before the end of the 21-day trial and you won't be billed any additional charges.

You have nothing to lose but your body fat and your belly. Get started with Turbulence Training today!

Shopping Tips For a Low Calorie Diet

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Quick weight loss is something that we all want to achieve. Some of the basic factors behind weight loss success are: routine fitness, healthy nutrition, healthy sleeping cycle, low stress levels, motivation, and will power. Understanding all of these principles is the key to attaining your goals. In this article I will discuss one of these areas. I will list several nutrition tips for a low calorie diet.

1. Make the switch to whole grains. Too many of us are still buying refined grains. Breads, muffins, bagels, pasta, basically everything is now available in whole grain form. Simply make the switch and watch your energy soar and your waist line decrease.

2. Eat more fresh produce. Consuming fruits and vegetables is very beneficial. Not only are these garden products laden with vitamin and minerals, but they also help us lose weight by providing our bodies with beneficial fiber and roughage. So don't afraid to consume 5 a day!

3. Always buy lean meats. Be sure that you choose the leanest meat possible and consume only one serving (3 oz). Furthermore, keep in mind that meat is not the only source of protein. You can also consume beans and fish.

4. Always buy low fat dairy products. Milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, no matter what the product may be always buy it with 2 % or less butterfat.

5. Eliminate junk food and sodas from your menu. Snack healthy by purchasing baked treats and dark chocolate squares.

These five tips will help you lose weight and improve your overall wellbeing. Other weight loss tips include whey nutrimelt shakes, all natural diet pills, and routine physical activity. So if you want to lose weight, be sure that you are following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition. Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies, diet pills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S_Johnson

Get Rid of Belly Fat After Pregnancy

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Getting back in shape after pregnancy is very difficult for many women. Getting rid of belly fat is even more difficult. A pregnant woman, if she does not watch what she eats, will gain weight that is almost twice her normal size during the course of her pregnancy. After giving birth, some of the weight is lost although she will find that her tummy is not the same as before. So many moms are asking, "What it the best way to remove fat after pregnancy?"

Before we start, it is best to keep in mind that in any weight loss program, proper diet and exercise always produce maximum results. It is also best to consult your OB Gynecologist if you are fit to start any exercise or diet plan. Now with that said, let us start.

Post-pregnancy belly fat is not easy to remove if there is still underlying fat in the abdominal area. Therefore, the best way to get rid of it is a gradual return to normal dieting and exercising. For example, a new mom can start by doing stretching and breathing techniques. Proper breathing serves to retain your core muscles and shorten them It tones and strengthens the stomach muscles and removes belly fat.

Abs workouts, like crunches, are also important in getting rid of belly bulges and even sculpting the tummy. You can start with 20 crunches a day, gradually increasing the number as your body gets used to the routine each day.

Lastly, perform these exercises with proper eating habits. Avoid too much carbs, sweets, and fatty foods because they can easily accumulate in the middle area. Also, eat complex carbs, proteins, fibers, fruits, and vegetables that are easy to digest.

Now you want to have more energy, be Healthier, look Younger, lose weight, and cleanse your body, right?

Try Turbulence Training!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faviano_Torres

Women Over 40 | Diet Mistakes to Avoid

Women over 40 diets aiming at losing belly fat are often complicated. But there are several easy to understand components a successful lose belly fat program for women over 40 needs to have. It is especially important to understand that it is not only about the diet. Exercise and relaxation are important too. After reading this article you will know the main components of a successful lose belly fat program.

Diets for women over 40 wanting to lose belly fat need to make sure that the blood sugar level is always as constant as possible. The best way to achieve this is to have small meals every 2 to 3 hours. Sugar and other simple carbohydrates will give you a spike in your blood sugar level. You need to avoid trans fats and saturated fats as much as possible. So, go low on milk and chocolate, red meat and palm oil.

For your exercise program make sure it includes three components. First, you need to do cardio with varying intensity level. It is really important that you challenge yourself with high-intensity intervals. Second, strength training will build your muscles. Muscles burn fat even when you're not exercising. Third, you need to do exercises to strengthen your core. Yoga is great for that. You might include some abs exercises as well.

Very important, yet often overlooked component to lose belly fat for women over 40 is relaxation time. Once again, yoga is very suitable for that. And, most importantly make sure you get enough sleep. You can't lose belly fat when you're stressed out all the time. Make sure you get enough time for yourself and maybe a hobby.

If you want to lose belly fat you need to look into your eating and exercise habits and getting enough relaxation time. Diets alone will not help you. You might consider a specialized program for women over 40.

Perry Permann

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Permann

Exercise Eliminates Harmful Effects of Belly Fat

Monday, May 25, 2009

Belly fat has been linked to the development of metabolic syndrome that can lead to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A new study shows that moderate exercise eliminates the harmful inflammatory effects of abdominal obesity, even without dieting.

The study from University of Illinois looked at how belly fat releases harmful chemicals that produce low-grade inflammation throughout the body, promoting disease. They compared the effects of exercise and diet in mice, finding that exercise alone can reduce disease risk, mediating the harmful effects of belly fat. Mice that were obese exercised, remained sedentary, or ate a low fat diet combined with exercise for six to twelve weeks, providing the researchers with evidence that exercise eliminates the harm associated with belly fat.

Vicki Vieira, the lead author of the study says the study was surprising, showing that either diet or exercise lowered inflammation from belly fat, reducing the harmful effects of belly fat. "The surprise was that the combination of diet and exercise didn't yield dramatically different and better results than diet or exercise alone."

Fat tissue releases inflammatory chemicals. According to Jeffrey Woods, a U of I professor of kinesiology and community health and faculty member in the U of I Division of Nutritional Sciences and the Integrative Immunology and Behavior Program, “Belly fat is particularly dangerous because it produces inflammatory molecules that enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Obese people have higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which are produced and secreted by fat tissue. This inflammation then triggers the systemic diseases linked with metabolic syndrome, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease."

Even when the mice ate a high fat diet, the benefits of exercise were apparent, making an emphasis on exercise alone an important behavioral approach that might reduce disease risks associated with obesity and belly fat.

Woods says his team believes that exercising, even for those who struggle with belly fat can yield positive results that lead to reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The researchers say walking 30 to 45 minutes a day five days a week should eliminate the harmful effects of belly fat, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

http://ajpendo.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/5/E1164?

Super Fast Wedding Weight Loss Tips For Nervous Brides to Be

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Are you a nervous bride who is eating everything in sight and worried you won't fit into your wedding dress come the big day? Are you so busy making plans that you aren't taking care of yourself? Here are some tips on how to lose weight without sacrificing your planning time.

• Keep healthy snacks within reach - apples, bananas, carrot sticks; these all things you can put in your purse and eat on the run.

• Drink your water - keep a water bottle with you wherever you go, so you can sip throughout the day.

• Don't forget your fiber - choose whole grain foods whenever possible. These will keep your system running smoothly, and keep you from getting too hungry.

• Take a multi-vitamin - there are times you are going to be so busy you will not have time to eat properly. Taking a vitamin will ensure you're getting the nutrition you need. You don't want to faint from malnourishment halfway down the aisle!

• Get some exercise - this may be tough, but try for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. Go for a walk or run, play a sport or pop in a home video. Not only will this help you lose weight, but exercise is a great stress-reliever.

• Time Block - Use your daytimer to block out chunks of time of when you're going to exercise, when you're going to eat, etc. This really helps keep you organized and on track.

Planning the most important day of your life can be exhilarating, overwhelming and just plain exhausting! If you have weight to lose, your stress levels may be even higher. If you follow the above tips, you will be fit and trim for your wedding, and be the blushing bride everyone will admire!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Mason

Losing Fat | Myths and Facts

Thursday, May 21, 2009

With so many facts and fiction about fat loss, it is not surpising that people get confused which advice to follow. Although this article is not intended as an exhaustive source of information about what is true and what is false about fat loss, we hope that it will help you to distinguish myths from facts.

Myth: Don't drink much water, you will get fat.

Facts: Natural water has absolutely no calories, so it can't be converted to fat. Actually, water dissolves fat. Besides, water is vital for the proper functioning of your body. If there is a relation between drinking much water and weight, it is a very indirect one and water can't be blamed for that. When you drink water and it stays in your body, it's absolutely logical that your weight will be higher but after a couple of hours, when water normally leaves your body, you will not have more fat because you have drunk water.

Myth: Exercise makes you eat more.

Facts: Sure, when you exercise, you lose energy but that does not mean that right after going out of the gym you must head to the restaurant. Experts often recommend that you neither eat, nor drink galons of water at least 2 hours after physical activity. So if you don't eat after you have been exercising, you will not gain weight.

Myth: Diet only is enough to lose fat.

Facts: Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that. After you have been on a diet for some time, even if there had been positive results, there is always one point when even if you don't eat at all (which is absolutely not recommended), your body refuses to use more of its fat reserved and you can't lose a gram more. At this point, or even better from the very beginning, you must include exercise, because diets alone can't burn enough fat.

Myth: There are magic diets and pills.

Facts: Too good to be true. Magic diets like „eat this and this and 10 a.m. sharp, don't eat this and this and you will have the body of a god“ are really naive and besides keeping your mind busy through the day, other positive results are unlikely. The same applies to pills. Unless you have a serious metabolism disorder, which is a medical condition and needs to be treated by doctors, not by you, pills are not the lazy way to great body.

Myth: Herbal products are safe.

Facts: Although herbal products are not synthetic pills, they are still a medicine that probably has a lot of undesired side-effects. Herbal products can be dangerous and the fact that they are sold on the market is not a guarantee that they will not damage your health.

Myth: When you exercise hard, you can eat whatever you like.

Facts: This is the opposite to the dieting myth but the grain of truth is the same. Even when you exercise hard (2 or more hours a day) you still need to take into account what you eat and when you eat it. 2 hours of active exercising might burn enough fat but if you have a giant pizza and a huge bottle of Coke after that, forget about the positive effects of the stay in the gym – you will still have fat (though presumably more muscles as well).

Myth: You can lose fat only in a particular region of your body.

Facts: If you have seen many people with thin legs and a fat belly, or the opposite, more likely it is so not because they want it but because this is their body structure (which they probably don't like at all). When you lose fat, this happens in a pre-defined order. First, fat disappears from the face and the breasts. The belly and the hips come next. The thighs and the upper-arm usually are the last ones affected and for many women these areas never become fat-free.

Myth: Diets and exercise are universal.

Facts: People are different and diets and exercise are not an exception. While there are universally true facts about dieting and exercise, more often than not, successful and sustainable fat loss is achieved when you are hard-working and diets and exercise are tailored to your needs.

Myth: You can lose fat once and forever.

Facts: This hardly ever happens, though there are cases when one has been fat during puberty and as an adult his or her weight is in the norm. But for adults, losing fat means a constant struggle to maintain the achievements, so you can't rely on the fact that you will make some efforts, drop your excessive weight and then there will be no need to do anything.

Source: http://www.lose-fat-fast.info/truth-about-losing-fat.php

Why Cardio Doesn't Work for Fat Loss

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Cardio exercise is such a strange thing. In theory, it should work so perfectly well for all men and women, but as anyone who has tried it knows, the practicality of it just doesn't add up.

After all, some men and women do cardio 6 hours, 9 hours, or more per week, and still have belly fat to burn. On the other hand, it works just fine for others.

British researchers wanted to get more insight into this paradox, and studied 35 overweight men and women, who weren't previously exercising.

(Reference: International Journal of Obesity 32: 177-184, 2008).

Subjects exercised 5 times per week for 12 weeks. That's a lot of
exercise, but it helped the subjects lose an average of 8.2 pounds, which is great - I was positively surprised by the results.

So cardio will work for some people, however, in my experience, it works best in young men, who need the help the least!

Back to the study, the variance in fat loss between individuals was huge. Check this out...

The best subject lost a staggering 32.3 pounds in 12 weeks, while the worst subject actually GAINED 3.74 pounds.

The scientists think they know where things went sour. They classified the subjects into 2 groups, called the "Compensators" and the "Non-compensators".

The Compensators were hungrier, and as a result consumed an extra 268 calories per day, all but wiping out their cardio efforts.

Therefore, the Compensators lost the least amount of weight, and scientists believe that was due to the huge "compensatory" increase in appetite experienced by this group.

Does your appetite increase when you do slow cardio? If it does, research shows it will ruin your cardio efforts.

So if your cardio program is not working for you, check your appetite and calorie intake to see if you are "compensating" for your efforts. If you are, you might be better off using a program
of high-intensity resistance and interval training (i.e. Turbulence Training) for your weight loss efforts.

As Australian Professor Steve Boucher has shown in research, interval training increases hormones called catecholamines. And increased catecholamines can reduce appetite, among other fat-burning benefits.

In the real world, few people lose 33 pounds after 12 weeks of cardio. Heck, few even achieve an average weight loss of 8 pounds with aerobic exercise.

So again, check your appetite, and consider giving high-intensity exercise a go for your next workout program.

Beat the curse of cardio with high-intensity Turbulence Training.

Source:Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training

Belly Fat | Men's vs. Women's Risks

Men tend to collect more belly fat than women, and it starts early in life. "In adolescence and postadolescence, men start collecting abdominal fat," Kuller tells WebMD. "It's one of the reasons men have more coronary disease than women."

In one study, men with excess belly fat and a large waist were most at risk for what researchers call "all-cause mortality" -- early death from any cause. And because belly fat can trigger cardiovascular problems, a large belly has also been linked to erectile dysfunction in men over age 60.

Women tend to be protected before menopause, when their fat tends to collect on the buttocks and thighs. That type of fat may protect women from heart damage, research suggests. The below-the-waist fat cells are believed to produce a hormone that fights some of the heart-damaging effects of belly fat.

At menopause, however, women's fat tends to settle in the belly, most likely the effect of lower levels of estrogen, Kuller explains. That abdominal fat is much more dangerous than buttocks fat -- greatly increasing a woman's risk of death from heart disease, studies show.

• A woman is nearly five times more likely to die of heart disease if she has both a big waist and a high level of fats in her blood, according to one Danish study.

• Women are twice as likely to need gallstone surgery if they have a large waistline.

• Women may also have trouble getting pregnant if their belly is larger than their hips, a condition known as central obesity.

• Women are at one-third higher risk of breast cancer if they have excess belly fat, one study shows. In fact, several types of cancer -- breast cancer, uterine, cervix, colon, kidney, and pancreas -- have been linked with obesity.

Here's what happens: As fat cells break down, chemicals released "act as very powerful cell-proliferating agents," Kuller tells WebMD. "This may be why obesity is a risk factor for various cancers Â… because it stimulates cancer cells to proliferate more rapidly."

Kuller believes that breast cancer risk is due more to a woman's overall body fat -- not just belly fat.

"There is substantial evidence that body fat causes the body to produce more estrogen than necessary," Kuller says. "Obesity is probably the No. 1 risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer, especially estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer."

Source: http://www.ghi.com

Can Food Remove Your Belly Fat?

Monday, May 18, 2009

"What should I eat to slim down and remove my belly fat?" This question is perhaps most frequently asked by people who decide to get rid of extra pounds and go on a diet or weight loss program. Obviously, eating and losing inches around the waist is a very appealing idea, and everyone would like to know what those magic fat-burning foods are.

There are actually two points of view when it comes to losing abdominal fat through a diet. One is - there are no foods that can be considered fat-burning; certain foods can only help you lower your daily calorie intake, providing a good nutrient value at the same time. Combined with good exercise regimen, eating low calorie healthy foods can help burn belly fat more effectively. The other theory singles out certain types of food, which boost our metabolism and therefore are helpful in faster belly fat burning. Fat-burning antioxidant content in some foods also makes them the staples of any slimming diet.

However, both theories point at the importance of regular workouts targeting abdominal fat as well as overall body fat. In other words, eating "good" foods and avoiding "bad" is not a very effective solution for weight loss. Excess belly fat may appear due to a variety of reasons: genetics, inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, hormonal disorder, etc. For best results, eating low calorie food alone is definitely not enough no matter what modern diets claim. In effective weight loss program healthy dieting is only one constituent among a variety of possible solutions, including specially designed workouts, colon hydrotherapy, slimming massage, and so on.

The foods that do contribute to faster belly fat loss include those low in fat and unhealthy carbs, lower in calorie density and higher in nutrients, unprocessed and 100% natural. Oatmeal is definitely one of the leading food contributors to weight loss. Ideally, it should be eaten plain, with no salt and sugar added, but many people just can't tolerate it as it is. You can enhance the taste by adding fresh or dried fruit or berries; honey makes a healthier alternative to sugar, in case you must sweeten your bowl of oatmeal.

Low-fat dairy products have also shown positive effects in weight loss programs. They are especially good for women, who generally require a higher dairy intake than men. Some studies show that calcium, contained in milk and milk products, is helpful in burning fat faster.

Whole grains, being healthy carbohydrates which our bodies can't do without, can be added to the list of fat-battling assistants. And of course, fruits and vegetables! No other food comes in a more natural and unprocessed form. Carrots, apples, tomatoes, spinach, oranges and mangoes are low in calories and packed with fiber and vitamins. Garlic is great in reducing the overall unhealthy fat level in the body.

In your determination to attack belly fat, don't forget that there are certain healthy fats, which are essential to our bodies. Olive oil is one of them. Omega 3 fatty acids found in many kinds of fish are another example. Eaten regularly and as plain as possible, both will support you on your way to flatter abs and complete your effective fat-burning diet.

For more articles on food and health look at this article on how to eat right for a healthy heart and this one on eating and headaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Paterson

Video: Lose Belly Fat Gain Muscle

How to Lose Belly Fat For Teens

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The prevalence of teenage obesity in developed countries such as the US is astounding. About 1 in 6 teens in the US have a weight problem to some extent and a majority of these teens will grow up to be unhealthy individuals. The best that can happen to them is that they will be overweight and less productive as adults and the worst that can happen is that they will not live to be sexagenarians.

The situation is definitely quite alarming. If you are a teenager with a weight problem, you have to take it head-on right now, because as your body settles into maturity, it will become increasingly difficult to revert it to a healthy metabolic pattern.

A lot has been written about how to lose belly fat for teens, and it is not unusual for us to see different sources giving different opinions. But the truth is that losing belly fat for teens is not all that difficult because their bodies are still healthy and evolving. Something as simple as the following two-step program can help them lose their belly fat and live a healthier life for several decades ahead.

Diet

It is undeniable that a wrong diet is the biggest cause of teenage obesity. We have a lot more junk foods now than we had until a few decades ago and, what's more, with the prevalence of supermarkets and other such outlets, getting these foods has become increasingly simple. Teenagers are gorging on these junk foods due to which they are neglecting their healthier meals at home and triggering a chain of fat deposition in their bellies.

You must know to keep away from junk foods because they are going to stay in your belly for a lot longer than you might want them to. Stay away from all the shakes, burgers, colas, pastries, pizzas and other high-calorie foods. Having them once in a week is not the problem; having them all through the day is. Mothers are right when they insist on veggies, because they contain the necessary vitamins required for the body's development. This development includes a good metabolism which can help remove the unwanted foods from the body.

Exercise

Contrary to what you might think, exercise does not mean working out in the gym alone. Anything that you do that counts toward physical work is exercise. Whether you are helping mow the lawn or playing a game that you like, you are exercising. But sitting in front of the television or your computer chair isn't. Teenagers must ideally do something every day that breaks them into a sweat. This keeps them healthier.

You need the exercise because you have to burn out the fat that's already present in your body. Doing a little work now is your key to living a healthier and longer life.

These are really the best guides if you are looking at how to lose belly fat for teens. Everything else is an eyewash; you have to stay as naturally healthy as you can.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivar_Nordtveit

Reducing Belly Fat is Easier When You Know This

Friday, May 15, 2009

Looking for ways to reduce belly fat? I know how you feel. I used to feel the same way, tried to squeeze my stomach in front of people, but always felt like everybody was looking at my belly. The great news is, there is a proven way to flatten your stomach - and the best part is, you can do that in two weeks! Just spend two minutes reading this article and you will be glad you did.

There is a common misunderstanding that in order to reduce belly fat, you need to do ab crunches. You can stop doing them, they just do not work. Here is why: when you do ab crunches, you focus on your ab muscles. But in order for them to be seen, you have to first get rid of your upper fat layer on the stomach. To do that, you really do not need the ab crunches.

Short and intense workouts work best for reducing belly fat. That means, whatever you do, do that as fast as possible, and have the exercises short. Repeat them 4-5 times. This will take you about 2 minutes, and if you do that every day for a week, you will not only have a flatter stomach, but you have great chances of losing some weight also!

These short exercises might be running fast around the house, jumping, dancing really quickly. Believe it or not, you do not need to waste your time at the gym. Just do short and fast exercises 5 times a day, and you're on your way to a flatter stomach.

If you are looking for the REAL solution to reduce belly fat, if you are TIRED of trying out different things that DO NOT work, get the best ever guide for reducing belly fat, and I guarantee you will have a significantly flatter stomach in TWO WEEKS from now.

Stop wasting your precious time, everything you need is there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_S.