197 Bones & Belly Fat [31 December 2012]

If you were thinking of slimming down as a New Year’s resolution, here is another reason to lose that belly fat. Visceral obesity (fancy name for a big fat gut) is now associated with osteoporosis and increased fracture risk in men.

The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study was designed to determine risk factors for osteoporosis in men. Their report in November 2012 to the 98th Scientific Assembly of the Radiological Society of North America included the surprising news that “…obesity in men does not protect against osteoporosis, as previously thought. And visceral fat is detrimental to bone strength.” This is considered surprising because it was believed that obese people would have stronger bones resulting from the additional stress load.

It shouldn’t have come as too big a surprise though. Visceral fat had previously been linked to osteoporosis in women, and another study found that adolescent girls with high visceral fat had reduced bone strength and mineral density. This was the first study looking at men.

Other health risks associated with visceral fat include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even a higher risk of Alzheimer’s later in life. For more on the health risks of belly fat see my column #192 November 19, 2012.

So if you are carrying around a “spare tire” why not make slimming down your New Year’s resolution? We can help turn your dream weight into reality. The 35 dieters that have been on the Ideal Protein program at the Rosetown clinic to date have lost a total of 801 pounds. Stop in and ask for a free Body Composition Analysis (BCA) reading and discover what your body fat % and risk category are.

Sources: “Visceral Obesity May Increase Risk for Osteoporosis in Men” www.medscape.com 30 Nov 2012; and “Belly Fat Bad for Men’s Bones” www.mercola.com 15 Dec 2012.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.