Reducing Body fat

I always thought that body fat was simply the stuff hanging over people's belts. Isn't it?

That type of body fat, the kind that can hang from an obese person's belt, is becoming more common, especially in Western countries. Yes, that is fat, but it is important to realize that it is not the only form of body fat. Body fat can actually be a good thing for people, nut due to the negative images we associate with the word "fat", people have closed their minds to the possibility that fat is a beneficial product of our bodies. As mentioned, body fat helps protect both our inner organs and keeps us warm and safe from the elements. The ability to distinguish between fat that is good for you and fat that indicates an unhealthy situation is paramount to a healthy life. If you don't know if you are healthy or not, consult a doctor.

Does eating carbs REALLY help reduce fat?

Some of the most popular diets and ways used to reduce body fat state the need for reduced intake of carbohydrates. The thinking is that carbs include an extraordinary amount of fat and should be avoided because of it. The truth is that carbs are an essential tool in the fight against excess body fat. Yes, you heard right! Carbohydrates have a bad name with modern dieticians and users of fad diets, but they help the body by giving it the energy necessary to burn undesirable fat. The best analogy we can give you is that of a match to a flame. The carbs found in foods such as bread, pasta, and potatoes act as an igniter for the fat-burning flame. So, yes, carbs do act as a fat reducer. Just be sure to eat them in moderation!

What role does genetics play in a person's level of body fat?

Unfortunately, those who struggle to keep off high levels of body fat are sometimes genetically inclined to do so. Research has shown a definitive correlation between cases of excess body fat and family members who share the same problem. The simple truth is that if your parents or grandparents were obese or even larger than they should have been, you are more likely to have issues regarding fat. Even more surprisingly, appetite seems to be genetically determined. What we eat and how much we eat is often similar to the diets of our family members. One additional factor affected by genetics is the body's ability to metabolize food. This affects how our body responds to fatty foods. While it is true that genetics matter, they should not be an excuse for neglecting responsibility when it comes to one's health.

Are poor people more inclined to become fat?

Traditionally, yes. The overall trends for the past hundred years have shown that people who live in or close to poverty are more likely to become obese. One reason for this is that the truly healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are often too expensive for people who have a lower income. Fast food tends to be considerably cheaper, thus making it more appealing to poor people. Another factor is that people who are poor tend to spend a good chunk of their time working to make ends meet. This leaves very little time for exercise. While the stats show that poor people tended to be more obese than the wealthy, the gap has been closing in recent years. More people with salaries over $60,000 are losing the battle against excess body fat. Some cultures even associate a round belly with success, thus encouraging the downward spiral.