Middle Age Men Obesity and Heart Disease
Most discussion and modalities concerning weight loss are generally centered around women. When we begin to discuss health risks there’s still a gender imbalance. Allow me to throw in a little balance adjustment and talk about some risks for men. SmokingThe most avoidable risk, simply don’t start. Most men begin smoking at an early age and mostly because they see others doing it. Some think its cool, giving them a “bad boy? image they think girls like. Unless they receive bad news from their doctor, are prodded by a loved one, or reality hits; they’ll remain smokers.
High Cholesterol and TriglyceridesA total cholesterol level of 200 puts you at risk for heart disease. A lifestyle change can lower it. A male age 40-59 is either mid-career, married with children, has a mortgage, other responsibilities, and stressed out. They too are stress eaters. Pressure to maintain the status quo, can send even the best adjusted 40something to the cookie jar. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, this can send Mr. Middle Age’s cholesterol levels soaring.
High Blood PressureIf the cholesterol is high, chances are blood pressure is also. We tend to think men can and should be able to handle everything. Everything, being the pressure to make sure that their household and families has everything they need and more.
Physical InactivitySome men reminisce about when they were “jocks?. Then there are the weekend warriors, prone to injury. Which leads them back to the couch. One weekend of working out does not make a fitness plan. Something as simple as a daily walk can be heart healthy.
ObesityOvereating and inactivity equals obesity. We’ve seen Mr. Middle Age, gut hanging over his belt, in denial about what size he wears. In the fruit basket of life men tend to be apples; carrying most of their weight around the middle. The internal organs, specifically the heart work harder due to a thick layer of fat around it.
DiabetesA woman‘s risk is higher, but a risk is still a risk. Type II is the most common and it’s estimated that one-third of men with it aren‘t aware of it. Problems like ED (erectile dysfunction) often uncover diabetes along with vision and kidney problems.
AgeHere’s lies the gender difference and one of men’s involuntary risks. The risk of heart disease for men skyrockets after age 45. About the same time the sedentary lifestyle kicks in, exacerbates obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Family History and RaceAfrican Americans are at a higher risk due to a prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes. Genetics are indicators however; generational occurrences don’t have to be the norm.
Ignorance is BlissThis can be the most detrimental. Often men won’t seek medical attention because they don’t want to know or admit that something is wrong. Knowledge carries with it the responsibility of change.
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