Does Eating Fats Make Us Overweight?
By Tom Herrin
Many people have a mistaken idea about fat. They know if someone appears to have too much of it, but they may not know exactly where it comes from. Some believe that consuming fat will pack on the pounds. While it may do some harm, gaining body fat is not one of the big issues with it. Most of the body fat we add to our bodies is due to eating too many carbs. Our body can't use enough of them and ends up storing them. We can't store protein, so that is not that kind of problem. As far as consuming fats, they can certainly be a problem, but they won't necessarily be stored as fat. The fat we eat may do some damage to our bodies due to the inability to use it up and move it out.
Measuring Body Fat
It has become pretty common for us to try to measure our body fat. It is usually done to determine the proportion of fat we have when compared to other things in our bodies, such as muscle or bone. There are some very specific ways to do this, and there are some very general ways to do it. The simplest way is to use a body mass indicator, or BMI sale. These usually are based on age, height, weight, and frame size. They give a fairly good estimate and are pretty popular.
We All Need Some Fat
Even though we think we don't want it, we have to have some fat. If not, we risk some serious problems. Several of our body parts need fat in order to function well. The brain, nerves, and bone marrow all need fat. We also need some fat around some of our organs for protection. Fat is also useful in regulating body temperature and storing vitamins.
Bad Fat Is Still Bad
Most of us recognize the kind of body fat that is the most harmful. Belly fat is probably the best known. It is now a reason for concern for anyone who has it. It is believed to be associated with strokes, heart disease, and arterial disease. In some cases, it may cause organ damage. There is evidence that it may contribute to some cancers. When we notice much of this, we should take some kind of definitive action.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sparks, Nev.