Fat Works Both Ways for Health
By Tom Herrin
When it comes to fat, it is one of those things that nobody wants. The stigma that accompanies fat is that it is bad and is a consequence of some kind of behavior that is undesirable. For sure, when people gain more of it than they would like, it is often extremely difficult to get rid of. We may sometimes use the appearance of fat on an individual as a means of determining whether or not the person is active. All of this involves a lot of judgment on the part of those forming such opinions. While it is true that it is important to manage the amount of fat we have, it is also true that there is a lot more than meets the eye.
The Shape of Things
When we see ourselves in the mirror, we may either admire or disappoint. This may be due to the way we perceive our looks. What we see as fat is subcutaneous fat. In other words, it is the fat that lies under the skin. This may give us some bulges or padding. In some cases, it is harmless and has some good functions. Some fat may help to manage our body temperature. It may also help to store vitamins. It is needed in order for some of our most basic functions such as brain development.
Some Fat May Be Really Harmful
The fat that gets a lot of attention these days may be belly fat. It is called visceral fat. Some people feel that it actually becomes like an organ itself. It can be damaging. It is known to contribute to strokes. It may be a factor in heart disease, some types of diabetes, and some cancers. For some women who become pregnant, it can cause some pretty big problems. Most people know it can be part of what clogs arteries.
Measure It
For years, we measure body fat by general consensus. We either looked fat or we didn't. Today we have ways to measure that fat and be fairly close. The most common way is to use a body mass indicator, or BMI scale. It usually considers age, height, weight, and frame size. Some facilities have methods that are even more high tech. Either way, these can give us some pretty good senses about where we are.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.