Fat Should Not Define Us
By Tom Herrin
Too often, we see ourselves through biased eyes. It may be our own as we gaze into a mirror and critique what we are wearing and how it appears. At times, it may be more of a poor fit of clothes than excess fat. We may also be influenced by what others may say, even if it is not done so with the best of vantage points. In reality, fat can be a problem, but we should put ourselves in a position to evaluate what our own condition is and how it affects us. Good or bad, it is often something we can take more control of than we may realize. The broader our perspective can be, the better chance we will have to make good observations and decisions.
Body Fat May, or May Not, Be Bad
When we see fat on ourselves or others, we are looking at body fat. It is generally the subcutaneous fat that lies just under our skin. We all need some of it, but at times it may be more obvious than others. The good kind serves to help regulate our body temperature. The brown fat that we usually refer to as baby fat is largely responsible for this. Body fat can also help to store vitamins and regulate hormones and blood sugar. Most of us recognize bad body fat. We have come to know it, particularly when we see belly fat. It is mostly a type of white fat. In some cases, it may contribute to stroke, heart and arterial disease, and some cancers. It is a kind of fat that we should take action on when we see an excess. This is when diet and exercise may need to be seriously adjusted.
The Fat We Eat
Even the fat we consume may help or hurt us. We need a certain amount of it to perform work. It is believed that some of it may be helpful in raising good cholesterol. Some of the fat we eat is used by our liver to make bad cholesterol. The fat we eat may also affect blood pressure and a few other things. It is always wise to be aware of what we are eating and act accordingly.
We May Measure Body Fat
With many tools available today, we can get an idea of our body fat easily. Some of these charts or scales use age, height, weight, and frame size to come up with a pretty good idea of where we fall on the ratio of fat to muscles to bone. It may be a useful tool for us to use as we attempt to shape our bodies.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Savannah, Ga.