1. Your waist circumference gets bigger
Belly fat is a buildup of visceral fat, so if you find yourself gaining weight and having a large waist, it's a sign that your health is at risk.
In a study published on January 27 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, researchers have found for the first time a link between waist size and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
"Belly fat not only increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, but it also increases your risk of a repeat attack after the first one," said Dr. Hanieh Mohammadi of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. "Maintaining a healthy waistline is important to prevent future heart attacks and strokes. No matter how many medications you take or how healthy your blood tests are, the risks of cardiovascular disease are still there."
When the heart, liver or waistline tend to enlarge, they do not cause any obvious physical discomfort, so if we do not go for a health check, we are easily overlooked.
To avoid an enlarged waistline, follow a diet low in oil, sugar, salt and high in fiber, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, exercise moderately and have a positive spirit...
2. Neck fat
In addition to focusing on weight and waist circumference, you also need to focus on neck circumference. Many studies have found that people with "round" heads and thick necks have too many health problems.
The larger the neck circumference, the more likely you are to have the following health problems:
- Cardiovascular disease
A thicker neck means you are more likely to have abnormal blood lipids, so be careful of coronary heart disease. A double chin and a short neck can be a sign of an unhealthy heart. A study published in the New Journal of Medicine 2017 said:
The risk of coronary heart disease is highest in men with a neck circumference of 36.38 ~ 37.80cm.
Women with a neck circumference of 33.60 - 35.35cm increase the risk of coronary heart disease by 1.42 times, women with a neck circumference of 35.35cm or more increase the risk of coronary heart disease by 2.54 times.
- Sleep apnea
Fat accumulation on the neck can increase the load on the airway, which can cause and aggravate sleep apnea.
In the respiratory department, neck circumference is often measured to help determine the risk of sleep apnea syndrome.
- Diabetes
Even if the waist circumference meets the standard, if the neck is too thick, it is easy to increase blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes.
People with thick necks are at the highest risk of diabetes. It is best to check blood sugar levels regularly to prevent or detect diabetes early.
Diabetes is also closely related to sleep apnea. Studies have shown that the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea in diabetic patients is more than 60%. And sleep apnea also causes blood sugar to rise by causing problems such as sympathetic nerve excitement and lack of oxygen.
- Hyperthyroidism
A thick neck, also known as goiter, is a typical symptom of hyperthyroidism. When the front of the neck, both sides of the trachea swell with weight loss, palpitations and other symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.