risk for health problems
Have you ever heard someone say that obesity runs in their family? There is a genetic component to obesity. In fact, researchers have identified a particular gene called the FTO gene that makes it harder to stay at a healthy body weight. But there is some good news with regards to this gene. Exercise appears to reduce its expression. Find out more.
Do you have a healthy body fat percentage? You might wonder what a healthy body fat percentage is for women and how to best measure it. Unfortunately, a standard scale won’t tell you and BMI, a measure that doctors use, says nothing about your body composition. Read on and find out what the best methods for measuring body fat percentage are and what is considered healthy.
Is there a disconnect with how people perceive their weight? Recent studies show some people who are overweight or obese aren’t aware they have a weight problem. Find out more about obesity “misperception” and new research on how well we’re dealing with the obesity epidemic.
Are kids of today as fit as their parents? A new study looked at this issue and came to some disturbing conclusions. Find out how modern kids compare to their parents in terms of aerobic fitness and ways you can motivate your kids to get the health benefits of exercise.
What are the secrets to longevity? Why not ask citizens from parts of the world that maintain good health to a ripe old age? Here are some longevity tips from parts of the world where there are lots of centarians.
We think of genes as being static. What you’re born with, you’re stuck with. That’s not a good thing if you inherited genes that put you at increased risk for heart disease, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, those genes may or may not be expressed depending upon your lifestyle and diet. Can you alter the expression of your genes by simply changing what you eat?
Think you’re healthy because your weight is normal? According to a new study, that’s not necessarily the case. If you store too much fat around your waist and tummy region, your risk of health problems may be the same as someone who’s obese. Find out more about the link between waist and belly fat and health problems and what you can do to lower your risk.
The scale isn’t always a good indicator of how healthy you are, and it says nothing about your level of fitness. Find out why this is and two better measures of whether you have a healthy body composition.
Are you apple-shaped or shaped more like a pear? It’s important to know since your body type says something about your risk for future health problems. Find out how to determine whether you’re an apple or a pear, what it means and whether it’s possible to change your shape.
