More and more people are overweight. People who are overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But will you ever get rid of that belly again? PlusOnline answers 7 questions about being overweight.
Why do so many people get a tummy?
Because they take in more calories than they expend. The surplus forms a belly. Partly it is hidden around abdominal organs such as intestines and kidneys, partly it is under the skin where you can grab it.
Beer does not contain many more calories than wine. However, beer drinkers are more likely to have a tummy than wine aficionados. This is because beer is so easy to drink that you can easily take a lot of it. Women are more likely to develop a tummy during the menopause.
Is a belly unhealthy?
Yes. People who are overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease than someone who is not overweight. A man’s abdomen is healthy if the circumference at the navel (the waist circumference) is 94 centimeters or less,
for a woman’s belly, this may be a maximum of 80 centimeters. Above that, the risk of disease increases. Men run a greatly increased risk if they have a waist circumference of more than 102 centimeters. For women there is a greatly increased risk with a waist circumference of more than 88 centimeters.
When are you overweight?
The waist circumference is a good indicator of when you are overweight. Another good measure is calculated by dividing the body weight (in kilograms) by the square of the height (in meters). This is how you calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI), also called Quételet Index (QI). If it is between 18.5 and 24, you are a normal weight. With measuring equipment such as resistance and skinfold meters, it is possible to determine more accurately how much fat someone has, but this is rarely necessary. The waist circumference predicts the risk of cardiovascular disease slightly better than the Quételet Index.
How many people are overweight in the Netherlands?
About 35 percent of 30 to 39 year olds are overweight, and about 55 percent of 50 to 59 year olds. Men are more likely than women to be overweight, but severe obesity (obesity) is more common in women than in men. There are no obvious reasons for these differences between the sexes.
Why is a tummy in men often round and tight?
Men store the fat mainly in the abdominal cavity, women more just under the skin. That is why bellies in men usually swell less than in women. Men have a so-called ‘apple shape’, narrow hips and a big belly. Women – especially young women – accumulate fat on the hips and thighs. Together with a narrow waist, a ‘pear shape’ is created. People with a ‘pear shape’ are generally less likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease than people with an ‘apple shape’.
How do you lose a belly?
By expending more calories than you consume. It is most effective to both eat less and exercise more. There are no ways to get rid of just the tummy. Your GP can refer you to a dietician. Usually some consultations are reimbursed by the health insurers. The dietician provides tailor-made advice, including tips for difficult moments.
Are a tummy and getting fat hereditary?
Yes, the ease with which people gain and lose weight is partly hereditary. For some extreme forms of obesity, it is even known exactly in which gene the ‘fat maker’ is located. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine exactly to what extent overweight is hereditary, because family members often have more in common than their genes. For example, they eat almost the same and are (almost) all sporty or not. The trend of the last decades shows that it is not just hereditary. We still have the same genes, but the average body weight is increasing quite a bit.
Sources):
- Plus Magazine
