Tool Box
Issue No. 10 - April/May 2003
The High Cost of Fat
If you have noticed your clothes progressively shrinking, you are not alone because over two thirds of adult men in Australia are either overweight or obese. The proportion of men with obesity continues to increase. The complications of obesity, which are shown in Table 1, lead to chronic ill health, unhappiness and premature death. It is perhaps even more important to recognise that not all fat is the same. If you need to progressively loosen your belt, then you have the "beer-gut" type of fat that lies deep within the abdomen. This is the unhealthiest kind of fat, and even small increases in fat in this area may increase the risk of diabetes mellitus, heart attacks and strokes. If your waist circumference (measured by placing a tape measure horizontally around the abdomen, half way between the top of the hips and bottom of the rib cage from a line drawn down the middle of the armpit), is greater than 95cm, then there is too much fat present. If your collar is too tight and you are snoring heavily, waking with headaches and feel fatigued during the day then you may have sleep apnoea. This may result in low testosterone levels which may further affect energy and well being, sexual function, ability to concentrate, and overall productivity.
Treatment for obesity needs to be life-long. As most people who have embarked on a diet will know, the weight loss is almost always temporary. A lifelong pattern of healthy balanced eating is preferable to intermittent dieting. Be sure to eat at least 5 fruits or vegetables each day. Limit fat intake. Sources of "hidden" fats include spreads and dressings. Avoid refined carbohydrates. There is not much nutrition in rice, many baked goods or pasta. Fresh food is preferable to packaged foods. Finally remember that labels that say low fat do not necessarily mean low calorie! A healthy pattern of eating is important. Missing breakfast leads to consumption of excess calories later in the day. Night-time food orgies should be ...
