女性蘋果型肥胖，心血管問題風險更高

There are significant differences in the risk of heart disease between men and women, especially postmenopausal women who are more prone to abdominal fat accumulation. A recent international study suggests that achieving a healthy weight does not necessarily equate to good health for women; they also need to pay attention to body proportions, as central obesity is a more likely cause of obesity.Apple-shaped womenWomen with a pear-shaped body and lower limb obesity have a three times higher risk of cardiovascular disease than pear-shaped women. A cardiologist in Hong Kong advises women to manage abdominal fat accumulation by engaging in more aerobic exercise and reducing their intake of foods containing trans fats, such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

This study, published in the European Heart Journal, involved more than 2,000 postmenopausal women.Cardiovascular disease risk in womenAn analysis was conducted. These women did not have cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study, and their body mass index (BMI) was within the normal range for Europe and America (18.5 to 25). After an 18-year follow-up study, nearly 300 of them were eventually diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The results showed that the risk of disease was closely related to their body shape; women with central obesity (more abdominal fat) had a three times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than women with lower limb obesity (more fat in the hips and thighs).

Dr. Chan Wing-sze, a member of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, pointed out that the above study found that even if postmenopausal women have a normal weight, the distribution of body fat can still affect their menstrual cycle.Risk of cardiovascular diseaseThese factors have different effects. Abdominal obesity, mostly visceral fat, can affect insulin secretion, making people more susceptible to diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The tendency for postmenopausal women to develop central obesity may be related to hormonal changes. Women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than men; besides the effects of menopause, women who have experienced gestational hypertension are also more likely to develop hypertension in old age.

Chen Yingsi stated that besides genetic factors, diet, exercise levels, and life stress are all closely related to cardiovascular disease. To prevent developing an apple-shaped figure, it's necessary to start by adjusting lifestyle habits. She recommends that women participate in more aerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, or interval training, which help burn abdominal fat. She also suggests exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes each time, while avoiding prolonged sitting.

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

Regarding diet, she advised women to reduce their consumption of refined foods such as white bread, white rice, white sugar, and white noodles. These foods typically have a high glycemic index, making it easier to feel hungry again. Conversely, low-glycemic foods such as some pasta dishes, cereals, and fruits like apples and grapefruits can prolong satiety, reduce cravings, and better stabilize insulin levels. Junk food is not only high in oil but also in trans fats, easily leading to obesity, and should be eaten as little as possible.