While not directly linked to chiropractics, fat plays a huge role in our lives and our health. However, there is a huge amount of myth and misinformation surrounding it. As we ultimately consider ourselves to be healthcare professionals, we wanted to tell our clients some basic information about fat and what role it plays in our lives.
There are two types of fat in our bodies – subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous is the fat which is found under our skin and makes us look ‘fat’. Visceral fat surrounds our organs. This is why bodyfat levels (how ‘fat’ somebody is), is not necessarily a good indicator of health. Even an extremely slim person could have high levels of visceral fat, meaning they are unhealthy. However, there tends to be a correlation either way.
There are many health risks that go along with having high levels of fat on your body. These include, but are not limited to:
- Immune System Dysregulation
- Body-Wide Inflammation
- Increased Risk of Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle Pain
- High Blood Pressure
- Higher Risk of Cancer
- Higher Risk of Diabetes
- Higher Risk of Heart Disease
How do you get fat?
Unfortunately, the process of adding fat to your body is extremely simple, and is almost built in to us genetically. To add fat onto our bodies you simply need to consume more calories than you burn on a daily basis. Unfortunately, processed foods and ready meals (you know, the cheap ones that are easy to cook…) are packed full of excess calories, especially in the form of sugar, to make them taste better. Sugar spikes blood glucose levels which in turn increases the production of insulin. Excess glucose is stored as fat, and excess insulin triggers a hormonal cascade that ends up depositing fat in your midsection.
How can you tackle fat?
As simple as it is to put on fat, it’s that simple to burn it – make an effort to burn more calories than you consume. You can do this by increasing the amount of exercise you are doing – as a bit of a rule of thumb, cardiovascular work burns visceral fat, weight lifting burn subcutaneous fat.
With regards to diet, simply eating less than you burn will result in fat loss. However, eating whole, unprocessed foods is considered better as they are more packed with nutrients and keep you fuller for longer.
Morley Chiropractors are one of the most established providers of chiropractic treatment in the area. We treat clients from Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford and other such areas. To find out more about the services we provide just call us on 0113 2383693.
