Is Your Waistline Unhealthy? Weight loss tips by Dr Andrew Weil

If you are a man and your waistline is over 40 inches, or a woman with a waistline over 35 inches, you may be facing increased risks of health problems – including the health of your heart. For nine years, researchers followed the weight and waists of over 100,000 men and women age 50 or older. The consequence of having a larger waistline wasn’t promising: over the course of a decade, those with the biggest waists were twice as likely to die from heart disease, cancer and respiratory disorders as those whose waists were slimmest. This held true even for the participants that did not gain weight, but whose body shape shifted to a larger waistline.

The increase in risk may be due to the characteristics of abdominal fat; studies have shown that it secretes proteins and hormones that contribute to inflammation, raise cholesterol levels and interfere with the way the body processes insulin.

The researchers suggest aiming for the ideal waist size of 40 inches or less for men, and 35 inches or less for women. If you follow my anti-inflammatory diet and make it a point to participate in regular, moderate exercise, you can help keep your waistline – and overall body weight – in check.

Is Your Waistline Unhealthy?
Lentil Soup

Lentils are a staple in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking and make a thick, rich and delicious soup. They’re also a good source of fiber and magnesium and the quickest legume to cook. With bread and a salad, this soup makes a whole meal. On a cold night, a filling soup like this is perfect nourishment for warming body and soul.

Food as Medicine
Soluble fiber, found in such high quantities in lentils, forms a gel in the digestive tract that traps cholesterol-containing bile and escorts it out of the body; while insoluble fiber, also plentiful in lentils, provides stool bulk and prevents constipation. Just one cup of cooked lentils – less than the amount found in one serving of this soup – contains over 15 grams of dietary fiber, all for only 230 calories. Lentils are also an excellent source of molybdenum and folate. This soup is vegetable-dense, containing antioxidant- and fiber-rich carrots, celery, onions and tomatoes; various studies have shown that as consumption of fruits and vegetables increases, the risk of heart disease drops.

Try this hearty lentil soup today!

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[Editor’s Note: Dr. Fisel’s “Syndrome X” article supports Dr. Weil’s conclusions that excess abdominal fat is a sign of increased disease incidence and should be addressed immediately with increased exercise, an improved diet and a consultation with an Integrative medical professional with nutrition expertise to design a specific plan to help you trim your mid-section safely without dieting.}

Is Your Waistline Unhealthy?

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