Summary of Why “Skinny Fat” Can Be Worse than Obesity:
In this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, Dr. Mark Hyman discusses the issue of being over-fat instead of just overweight, which can be equally dangerous. Over 75% of Americans are overweight, and new data shows that 93.2% of people are metabolically unhealthy, putting them at risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more. Even people who are thin can be metabolically unhealthy and have a risk for these diseases. This issue is called metabolically obese normal weight or TOFI, and it is characterized by having too much fat and not enough muscle, as well as poor metabolic health. To combat this problem, Dr. Hyman recommends focusing on a low glycemic diet, incorporating strength training to build muscle, and taking the right supplements.
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The Skinny on Being Skinny: Why Thinness Doesn’t Equal Health
Introduction:
According to recent statistics, over 75% of Americans are overweight, with 42% being obese. On top of this, a new report shows that 93.2% of people in America are metabolically unhealthy. This means that even if someone is not overweight, they still may have metabolic disturbances related to insulin resistance. This condition is known as “TOFI”: Thin on the outside, fat on the inside.
The Dangers of TOFI:
TOFI affects people who are not overweight, but still have a high body fat percentage, mostly around their belly. This fat is known as visceral fat and is a major cause of metabolic disturbances. Studies have shown that thin diabetics are at higher risk of complications and death than overweight diabetics. This is concerning because a lot of people who are thin believe that they are completely healthy, but in reality, they are at risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases.
Diagnosing and Treating TOFI:
To diagnose TOFI, a body composition test is necessary. This test looks at where fat is distributed and if there is any muscle loss. Treatment involves implementing a healthy diet that is low in sugar and starch, high in good fats and protein, and focusing on strength training to build muscle.
Diet:
A diet low in sugar and starch and high in good fats is crucial for people with TOFI. Good fats such as avocados, olive oil, walnuts, nuts, and seeds should be consumed, while bad fats should be avoided. Protein is also very important, with at least 30 grams of protein per meal being recommended.
Exercise:
Strength training is a must for people with TOFI. It helps to build muscle, which burns more calories than fat. When muscle is lost, metabolism slows down, leading to more fat accumulation. Therefore, it is important to focus on strength-building exercises to prevent muscle loss.
Conclusion:
TOFI is a dangerous condition that affects people who are not overweight, leading to metabolic disturbances and a higher risk of chronic diseases. It is important to get tested for TOFI if you suspect you have the condition and to implement a healthy diet and exercise routine to prevent further damage. Remember, being thin does not necessarily mean being healthy, so take the steps necessary to improve your health, starting today.
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