By Dr. Linell King
It is often assumed that with age comes the inevitable expansion of one’s waistline. We hear “middle-age spread,” “spare tire” or “beer belly,” and accept this as yet another normal part of the aging process.
With most Americans fitting into the “obese” category, we may fail to recognize this for the serious danger that it presents. America’s expanding waistlines correspond directly with a monstrous host of health risks that should not be taken lightly.
Of specific concern is abdominal visceral fat, the deep layers of fat that surround internal organs. Excessive visceral fat can actually disrupt our hormone balance, alter our body’s insulin sensitivity, affect blood clotting and blood pressure; and increases the risk for cardiac disease and some types of cancer.
Conditions correlated with abdominal obesity:
• Hormonal imbalance
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Adrenal fatigue
• Stress
• Liver dysfunction
• High blood glucose
• Autoimmune disorders
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Impaired digestion/malabsorption
Obesity and Disease
Being just “a little bit” overweight puts additional stress on your body and it’s systems, which can lead to problems such as chronic pain/inflammation, hypertension, lipid fluctuations, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and brain degeneration.
Achieving Optimal Health
Making the changes to reduce abdominal obesity and achieve optimal health requires a multifactorial approach, and commitment to taking on the journey. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Making the obvious changes to improve your diet and get more exercise is a great start, but this alone is not always the solution.
Here are some basic steps to reduce abdominal fat, and improve overall health:
• Eat natural foods containing fiber; healthy fats
• Reduce or omit processed food
• Reduce stress by spending time in nature
• Exercise appropriately for your body in it’s current condition
• HYDRATE
• Improve gut health to reduce systemic inflammation
A person’s individualized food sensitivities, allergies, hormones, lifestyle factors, and history are all pieces of the puzzle. Utilizing appropriate testing, and analyzing results per the individual can help uncover underlying causes of disease and discern a person’s specific roadblocks to a trimmer waistline. Consult with Naples Vitality to learn how we can help unravel your health challenges together and create optimal health and vitality for years to come.
Most importantly, remember that it’s not just about the weight! Create a better YOU to love the life you live.
Linell King, MD
Dr. Linell King combines science, behavioral health, and spirituality to transform lives. He teaches and empowers others to take responsibility for their health.
Dr. King received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School of Medicine and completed his residency at Johns Hopkins University and Sinai Hospital in 2000. Author of the award-winning book, Mastering Vitality, Dr. King utilizes a combination of traditional and alternative practices to reach optimal health.
Devastated by the effects of common, yet fatal disease within his own family, Dr. King knew that he had to learn and do more. His focus is to help others create and maintain greater overall health and less dependence on an outdated healthcare model. He aims to uncover the real causes of health challenges, rather than merely managing symptoms. He sought further education in Functional and Integrative Medicine, to learn more about how nutrition, lifestyle, and treating the whole person can radically improve immediate and long term health and quality of life.
Naples Vitality: Optimal Healthcare
Don’t let your health be the reason you miss out on living your life to the fullest.
Join us in our mission to change healthcare as we know it. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to be unhappy with how you look in your clothes, more aches and pains, more disease, and more medications. It is possible to enjoy the life of your dreams by taking control of your own health.
Naples Vitality has helped thousands regain their health and feel great again. Our physician-led team will take you by the hand and guide you through a simple journey to a life of vitality. Grow healthier, not older.
Please call to RSVP for our upcoming seminar: 239-307-0036 | naplesvitality.com
Naples Vitality
239-307-0036
201 8th St S #307, Naples, FL 34102