Women with apple-shaped obesity are at higher risk of cardiovascular problems

There are significant differences in the risk of heart disease between men and women, especially postmenopausal women, who are more likely to have abdominal fat accumulation. A recent foreign study showed that women who have a standard weight do not necessarily have good health, but also need to pay attention to their body proportions, because central obesity is a sign ofApple-shaped womenWomen with pear-shaped bodies have a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular disease than women with lower limb obesity. Hong Kong cardiologists advise women to manage abdominal fat, increase aerobic exercise, and reduce their intake of foods containing trans fats, such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, involved more than 2000 postmenopausal women.Cardiovascular disease risk in womenThe women were free of cardiovascular disease at the start of the study, and their body mass index (BMI) was within the normal European and American range (18.5 to 25). After 18 years of follow-up, nearly 300 of them were ultimately diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The results showed that the risk of cardiovascular disease was closely related to body shape. Women with central obesity (abundant abdominal fat) had a threefold higher risk than women with lower limb obesity (abundant hip and thigh fat).

Hong Kong College of Cardiology Director Chan Wing-sze pointed out that the above study found that even if postmenopausal women have normal weight, the distribution of body fat will affectRisk of cardiovascular diseaseDifferent effects can occur. Abdominal obesity is mostly visceral fat, which can affect insulin secretion and increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The increased prevalence of central obesity in postmenopausal women may be related to hormonal changes. Women are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease than men. Besides the effects of menopause, women who have experienced pregnancy-induced hypertension are also more likely to develop hypertension in later life.

Chen Yingsi stated that in addition to genetic factors, diet, exercise level, and lifestyle stress are all closely linked to cardiovascular disease. To prevent the development of an apple-shaped figure, it's important to adjust your lifestyle. She recommends that women engage in more aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or intermittent intensity training, as these exercises help burn abdominal fat. She also recommends exercising five days a week for at least 5 minutes each time, and avoiding prolonged sitting.

As for relatively static exercises such as yoga, although it is difficult to achieve the effect of burning fat, Chen Yingsi mentioned that yoga helps to relax the body, relieve stress, lower cortisol levels, and can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Regarding diet, she advises women to reduce their intake of refined foods, such as white bread, white rice, white sugar, and white noodles. These foods often have a high glycemic index and can easily trigger hunger. Conversely, low-glycemic foods, such as some pasta and oatmeal, and fruits like apples and grapefruit, can prolong feelings of fullness, reduce cravings, and better stabilize insulin levels. Junk food is not only high in oil but also high in trans fats, which can easily lead to obesity, so it should be consumed as little as possible.