Big Dudes, Chubby Fellas & Skinny Fat Guys

The Inside Scoop on Obese & Overweight Canadian Men

Carrying around extra pounds to varying degrees is an epidemic in Canada and North America. We used to think that fat tissue kinda just hung around and did nothing. We now know that fat tissue is highly metabolically active, produces its own hormones and dramatically alters cell signals. The most dangerous kind of fat is that around the belly because it surrounds the internal organs in the abdomen and increases the risk of chronic disease.

What Are the Risks & Associated Health Problems?

“60.9% of Canadian men had an increased health risk because of excess weight.”

Excess weight carries many potential risks, including the following symptoms and diseases:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Lower sperm count
• Cancer
• Lower testosterone
• Back pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Gallbladder disease

Big Dudes

“1 in 4 Canadians adults are obese. “

When I say big, I’m talking about obesity. Have you seen the new Heart & Stroke Foundation Campaign? They exclaim that “Death Loves Obesity” on their website. And it’s true.  In fact, Statistics Canada reports that “obesity at age 40 has been associated with a loss of 5.8 years of life for men.” These are scary stats. Note that they don’t even touch upon the decreased quality of life from living with disease – just longevity. Lowered quality of life is a serious consequence of disease not often given much thought until you are suffering with illness and debility.  If you want to live with high energy and admirable vitality, consider a positive change now. It’s better late than never.

Chubby Fellas

“Since 1981, the percentage of Canadian males ages 20 to 39 whose body composition was ‘fair’ or ‘needing improvement’  increased fourfold.“

Chubby fellas, a.k.a. overweight men, are also at risk for chronic degenerative diseases. They have higher fat content and lower lean body mass. We know that the amount of lean body mass you keep on during your lifetime predicts how long you will live and is a significant factor in determining your quality of life. A treatment plan that increases lean body mass and lowers fat can dramatically alter your life.

Skinny Fat Guys

“Men were more likely than women to make the transition from normal to overweight. By 2002/03, 38% of the men whose weight was in the normal range in 1994/95 had become overweight.”

As they age, guys of normal weight run the risk of putting on extra pounds and becoming overweight. So what exactly do I mean by ‘skinny fat guys’? Well, these guys may be thin, slender or look of average weight, but if we take a sneak peak inside their bodies, they have high percentage of fat tissue and low lean body mass. In this case, assessing the normal weight guys with a measuring tape and Body Mass Index (BMI) turns up normal results. Upon completing a Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) test we would find out if you are a skinny fat guy. Skinny fat guys, with a normal BMI, have the same risk factors for chronic disease as if they would if they were overweight with a high BMI – because they are still carrying excess fat in either case.

What Category Do You Fall In?

3 Ways To Assess

1. Do you have extra fat around your abdomen? Pull out the measuring tape and do a quick check of your waist circumference: measure your waist just above your hip bones – for men, anything above 40” or 102 cm is abnormal and predicts a higher risk of chronic disease.

2. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick way to calculate if you are overweight or obese:

Overweight and obesity are based on body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. For example, the BMI of an individual 1.7 metres tall (5 feet 7 inches) weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds) would be: 70 ÷ 1.7 ² = 24.2

The BMI categories are: underweight (less than 18.5); normal weight (18.5 to 24.9); overweight (25.0 to 29.9); and obese (30.0 or more).

3. Body composition is measured through an accurate test called Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA). It is a simple test that I conduct at my office to assess your body’s content of water, fat and lean body mass. It gives many indicators of health and is used for monitoring progress with men on fat loss programs or lifestyle change programs. This is the most comprehensive assessment out of the three and most recommended.

At Halcyon Health, I help men learn to live healthier lifestyles and, in the process, lose fat, increase lean body mass, improve energy and decrease risk of serious disease. If you want to learn more about how I can help, contact me to book your free private 15 minute info session at 647.648.7099.