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 Abdominal obesity: The most dangerous

·        Abdominal or obesity around the trunk has a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease

·        This is in part due to elevated triglycerides (fat in the blood), a lowering of HDL (good cholesterol), and resistance to the effects of insulin

·        This is called “The Metabolic Syndrome”, “Syndrome X”, or insulin resistance (a pre-diabetic condition)

·        Increased abdominal fat is seen on x-rays

·        Insulin insensitivity may result in “Carb Craving” of carbohydrates (sweets and starches)

·        Carb cravers may be triggered to eat more carbs by eating carbs, and often do better on a lower carb higher protein diet

·        A neck size of greater than 17” or a waist of greater than 35” in women and 40” in men is a risk factor for this syndrome

·        Foods with a high glycemic index, such as sweets and starches, release sugar rapidly. Avoiding these may be helpful in the metabolic syndrome. Better alternatives are whole grains, fiber, beans, fruits and vegetables