What Is Meant By Being Too Fat?
By Tom Herrin
Most of us are aware of whether or not someone is too obese. We often have an image in our minds of others who may carry more excess fat than we perceive they should. When it comes to us, we may or may not feel this way. It is easy to be blinded to how we appear to others, or we may see things that are not there. We usually have some kind of image that we feel is the one we project. When we think of the term "fat," we probably have in mind just how the body carries subcutaneous fat. That is the fat beneath our skin that gives much of our physical appearance. The fact is that there truly is much more than meets the eye when it comes to fat.
Fat Is Important in the Right Place
Our bodies require fat in order to function properly. One of these places is in our brain. Some fat is necessary for it to operate as it should. Fat is also necessary for bone marrow, nerves, and some organs. It also helps to regulate body temperature and store some vitamins.
We All Hear About the Bad Things
There is no doubt that too much fat may cause some serious health problems. For years, many people have been told that they need to reduce their fat. This visceral fat may be a root cause of many health issues. It is known to contribute to strokes, heart disease, some cancers, and some types of diabetes. When we carry too much of this kind of fat, we increase our risks of illness, and many times, it may be avoidable. It is important for us to understand what can contribute to this kind of fat. In many cases, it may have to do with intake of too many carbs.
Keeping Track of Body Fat Is Easier
With modern technology and research, it is now possible for us to measure the amount of body fat we have. It may not always be a perfect method, but body mass indicators, or BMI scales, or pretty easy to use and are fairly good. They depend on things such as age, frame size, weight, and height. They can give us an idea of whether we appear to be overweight, obese, or in a recommended range. They can be found almost anywhere, and they are worth using.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bluffton, S.C.