extra production of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides (common type of fat found in foods). Visceral fat also produces immune system chemicals called cytokines, which promote insulin resistance and low-level chronic inflammation, as well as affecting cells’ sensitivity to insulin, blood pressure and blood clotting. Belly fat is associated with the following health problems, as well as social inhibitions, decreased sexual stamina and difficulty in everyday mobility: • Colorectal cancer and other cancers • Diabetes Type 2 • Hypertension (high blood pressure) • Cardiovascular disease • Sleep apnea • Erectile dysfunction (generally over 60) While women tend to be protected from later-life weight gain by menopause, as they gain fat in their buttocks and thighs, men start collecting fat earlier on and continuously with age. How to Shake it We’ve got to bring this weight under control, and it starts with moderate-intensity exercise, some weight training and healthier diet. • 30-60 minutes of medium-paced walking or jogging, at least 30 kilometres per week • Any weight training for at least two hours a week • Abdominal exercises, including soft crunches, bridges Thigh Fat Research has shown that belly fat is more dangerous than thigh fat, as the level and activity of thigh fat genes are far lower and demonstrate less detriment to the function of bodily organs. Research out of the United Kingdom has even shown that moderate-heavy weight in the thighs and backside provide some extra protection against diabetes, heart diseases and other health problems associated with obesity. This isn’t to say, however, that thigh fat should be let off the hook. Overweightness or obesity in the thigh area can still cause bone and structural issues such as arthritis, namely Osteoarthritis (OA). OA has a strong link to excess weight; the more weight placed on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes, which will gradually wear down cartilage. This is a particular concern for the knee joints, and problems with knees catalyse a series of other bone structural issues. To illustrate, the common conversion is that every one pound (0.45 kg) of excess weight exerts four pounds of extra pressure on the knees. Walking, jogging, even standing still. Think about the gradual damage and medical bills all resting on your knees. pm About Us The Gold Coast Heart Centre provides a diverse range of services in comprehensive cardiac health care with extensive diagnostic cardiac testing and specialist imaging. We have 8 specialist cardiologists available for consultation across all 3 of our private hospital locations. Diagnostic Cardiac Testing Stress Echocardiography Blood Pressure Monitoring Event Loop Recording Transthoracic Echocardiography Exercise Stress Testing TILT Table Testing Transoesophageal Echocardiography Holter Monitoring ECG Reports Dr Mathew Williams General Cardiologist Professor Jonathan Chan Multi-Modality Cardiac Imaging and General Cardiologist Dr Kang-Teng Lim General and Electrophysiology Cardiologist Dr John Bou-Samra General, Pacing and Heart Failure Cardiologist Dr Vijay Kapadia Interventional and Pacing Cardiologist Dr Michael Greenwood Interventional Cardiologist Dr Tony Lai Interventional Cardiologist Dr Ashok Gangasandra Interventional Cardiologist Rooms JOHN FLYNN ALLAMANDA PRIVATE HOSPITAL 21 Spendelove Street Southport 4215 PRIVATE HOSPITAL Suite 6A, John Flynn Medical Centre Inland Drive, Tugun 4224 Phone 07 5531 1833 PINDARA SPECIALIST SUITES Suite 2.09, Level 2 Carrara Street, Benowa 4217 Cardiologist Consultations www.gchc.com.au Me n’s hea lth
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
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