Simple Tests Can Evaluate Health Risk
Over the last few months I've been writing this article your feedback has been tremendous. Some people like it, others hate it. But at least some of you are reading it. The problem is, not enough are actually doing anything to improve your health.
I've decided that to motivate you I'm going to have you perform a couple of simple tests. Tests you can do, right now, with a friend if you like, to see what kind of shape you're in.
Get a measuring tape or some string and a ruler. Place the measuring tape or string snugly around your waist. What is the measurement?
The amount of abdominal fat you have is a predictor of your risk for developing heart disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Your risk increases if your waist measurement is over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women. Increased waist circumference can be a marker for increased risk even in persons of normal weight.
Is your waist circumference on the larger size? Then make plans NOW to start a fitness program.
Another test you can do is called Body Mass Index or BMI. A team of British researchers studied 7,700 men for 15 years to determine what constitutes the perfect balance. Remind me to become a British researcher.
The formula calculates your weight-to-height ratio. It is a measure of general fitness and health. The goal is to have the ratio, or Body Mass Index (BMI) equal about 22, although it should be noted that anything under 25 (and over 18) is considered healthy.
What those British researchers found was that the lowest combined rate of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and even death occurred in men whose BMI was between 20 and 23.9. Once your BMI gets higher than that, disease and death rates start rising about 10 percent per index point - or about every six to eight pounds for most people (depending on height).
Women please note: Later research was done that showed women could use the same BMI formula as men.
To calculate your BMI manually do the following:
- Convert your body weight to kilograms.
body weight (pounds) ÷ by 2.2 = weight in kilograms
- Convert height to meters
height (inches) ÷ by 39.37 = height (meters)
- Calculate BMI
weight (kilograms) ÷ by (height in meters x height in meters) = BMI
The results are:
- You are Underweight if your BMI is lower than 18.5
- Normal weight if your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight if your BMI is 25 to 29.9
- Obese if your BMI is 30 or greater
"But, I'm a bodybuilder. Does this really apply to me?" Yes. You can get away with a higher BMI, but even for bodybuilders, a BMI of over 30 isn't healthy.
How about weighing myself?
The scale is generally NOT a good indicator of health. For example lets say two women both weigh 155 pounds.
"Beth" may have 60 pounds of body fat and 95 pounds of lean body mass, while "Ann" may have 35 pounds of body fat and 120 pounds of lean body mass. They both weigh the same but "Ann" is in much better shape because she has more lean body mass and less body fat.
Now that you know more about your physical condition, do something to improve it!
Schedule a physical with your doctor or health care provider. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and other vital signs. If you are overweight remember that even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing heart disease, hypertension and even some cancers.
Once your doctor has cleared you, join a gym, sign-up for yoga or study martial arts. Get a personal trainer, dietitian or nutritionist. Make a resolution that six months from now you are going to make some kind of physical improvement in your body and I'm not talking about plastic surgery! What are you waiting for, the winning lotto ticket? Do it NOW!
| Facebook |
|
Twitter
|
|
Google+ 
|
Call for a FREE Consultation (305) 296-3434
CAUTION: Check with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.
|
|
|
|
