The idea of perimeter refers to the contour or limits of something. Abdominal , meanwhile, refers to that linked to the abdomen (the belly).
These definitions allow us to easily understand the concept of abdominal perimeter . This is what the contour of the abdomen is called: that is, the measurement of the circumference of the belly .
The abdominal perimeter provides useful information about the level of intra-abdominal fat and can warn of potential health problems. To measure it, a tape measure is used: the subject must stand with their feet together and the tape must be wrapped around their belly at the level of the navel. The measurement should be carried out after taking a deep breath and expelling the air, without applying pressure.
While in women it is usually indicated that the abdominal perimeter can measure up to 88 centimeters , in men the value considered acceptable reaches up to 102 centimeters . If these figures are exceeded, the person faces an increased cardiac risk.
When a doctor detects a larger than normal abdominal perimeter, he or she may suggest a consultation with a nutritionist to establish a healthier diet that can reduce fat. It is also common to recommend frequent physical activity. The abdominal perimeter, in any case, can grow due to different disorders, which is why the professional is in a position to indicate various studies or analyzes that allow him to understand the cause of the elevated measurement.
For the Spanish Heart Foundation ( FEC ), for example, the fat that accumulates in the abdomen constitutes a more relevant cardiovascular risk factor than being overweight . Faced with this panorama, the entity suggests using the measurement of the abdominal perimeter and not limiting itself to the estimation of the body mass index ( BMI ).
Among the various tips that the Spanish Heart Foundation tries to disseminate to lead a healthy life and reduce the level of fat in the abdomen to a minimum are the following:
* consume an adequate amount of water daily to avoid fluid retention;
* eliminate from the diet any product that contains saturated fats, excess calories or simple sugars to protect the heart and keep body weight below worrying values ;
* do physical exercise. This point must be understood in context, since not all of us can practice any sport or train our bodies with the same intensity, but it is important to keep moving to strengthen our muscles, increase basal metabolism, achieve correct posture and burn calories;
* Do not ignore the hours of sleep or rest necessary per day. It is known that extreme fatigue reduces performance , causes stress and disrupts eating habits;
* In a similar way to the previous point, it is important to indulge yourself, respect your own needs beyond what is strictly organic and work-related;
* Do not restrict calories excessively, because this can bring opposite results to those desired: the metabolism slows down, which is why the body takes longer to burn fat.
As we can see in the previous list, to obtain an acceptable value in measuring the abdominal perimeter, it is not enough to "eat little" or "avoid fats", but we must aim for a balanced life, an equation as simple as it is rare in our times. time. From the posture when sitting, lying down and walking to the hours of sleep and the relationship with leisure , we must take care of every aspect of our existence.
There is no point in restricting ourselves when eating if we are not absolutely convinced of the reasons why we do so. Food is a necessity , which we can take advantage of to enjoy but which should not serve to cover up emotional problems.