Poorly balanced diets have significantly contributed to a number of men developing pot bellies, facetiously termed male pregnancy. - FILE
A LARGE number of Jamaican men appear to be pregnant.
It is now a common sight to see men whose swollen bellies make them look as if they're about to give birth.
They have what I call the male pregnancy syndrome. This condition is associated with a high incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, circulatory problems and metabolic disorders such as high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid in the blood. Other seemingly unrelated conditions like chronic fatigue, erectile dysfunction, snoring and sleep apnea are also related to this kind of obesity.
Medical research suggests that a man with a waist measurement of over 39 inches will increase his risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease by over 500 per cent!
THE PROBLEM
Here are some facts about the male pregnancy syndrome:
* The obesity of the male pregnancy syndrome involves an accumulation of fat on the upper trunk - from the neck to the abdomen, often without the arms, legs or buttocks being involved. This is known as 'apple' shaped or truncal obesity. We also know it as 'beer belly' or 'big gut'.
* This 'pregnancy' fat is not just under the skin. It accumulates inside the abdominal cavity, covering and infiltrating the internal organs and is associated with the serious medical conditions mentioned above. The liver is particularly prone to be strangled by this fat, creating a condition called fatty liver. Hormonal imbalance, with high levels of female hormones, often develops, leading to sexual dysfunction.
* Of course, women who are not truly pregnant,can also develop this apple-type obesity. Their buttocks, legs and arms may be normal, but they display the large abdomen of male pregnancy sometimes accompanied by large breasts and neck. They carry the same risks as their male pregnancy counterparts.
* Pear-shaped obesity is more common in women, with fat accumulation in the lower abdomen, thighs and buttocks, most of it located beneath the skin. This kind of fat is less active metabolically, and represents stored excess calories. This is a less dangerous pattern of obesity and is associated with fewer medical problems.
* After cigarette smoking, obesity remains the commonest preventable cause of death in the world today. Male pregnancy-type obesity is a particularly common, dangerous, preventable and correctable condition.
THE SOLUTION
* The usual recommendation to lose weight by just cutting back on food consumption is often inadequate in dealing with this kind of obesity. The individual may lose some weight from their arms, legs, neck and face with relatively little loss from the abdomen.
* A highly-effective approach is a programme I use called Shapeworks. Much of the epidemic of abdominal obesity is due to the overconsumption of carbohydrates, especially simple and refined sugars and starches.
The Shapeworks plan deprives the body of excess carbohydrates, causing the system to burn the fat stored in the abdomen. This programme focuses on fat loss rather than just weight loss. It helps you reshape and contour your body while retaining your muscle mass.
* A Shapeworks weight-loss consultant is equipped to do a body analysis which calculates your percentage of body fat and your ideal body weight. Based on this information, the programme is then customised to suit your needs. This is the most scientific and effective way I know for healthy fat reduction.
* Protein, vitamin and mineral supplements are added to your diet to ensure balanced cellular nutrition. Keen attention must also be paid to a generous intake of water and fibre.
* Abdominal exercises alone are not effective in dealing with male pregnancy. Make nutritional changes your first priority. Then, I recommend 30 minutes or more of brisk walking, three to five times weekly depending on your fitness level. A more comprehensive exercise programme can then be gradually introduced.
Let us all make a commitment to reduce the major health risk that male pregnancy brings to our society. Contact us and I will be happy to offer a free consultation with one of my weight-loss assistants.
Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at Vendryes@mac.com or visit the website www.anounceofoprevention.org You may also listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106 FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
