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10 Health Factors for Men to Stay Slim

Risk factors weigh and disease

From About.com

Updated: February 08, 2006

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Heart Disease and Obesity
Obesity is very closely associated with heart disease and strokes. Men are particulary prone as they tend to store fat around their abdomens. Research is increasingly showing that a big belly (over 94 cm / 37 inches) is a risk factor and in waists over 102 cm / 40 inches the risks of heart disease increase substantially.

learn more about heart disease

Infertility and Obesity
The recent fall in the quality of sperm has been associated with growing levels of obesity.

learn more about sexual health

Cancer and Obesity
There is already a strong association between obesity and cancer although the reasons for this are not known. Obese men are nearly twice as likely to die from of cancer than slimmer men.

learn more about cancer

Depression and Obesity
The idea that fat men are more jolly and friendly than slimmer men is simply a myth. The reality is that obese men are more likely to suffer from serious levels of depression.

learn more about depression

Gout and Obesity
Gout is one of the most painful conditions around. Men who are overweight are at least three times more likely suffer from gout.

learn more about Gout

Back Pain and Obesity
Back pain is a serious problem but it too is associated with carrying too much weight. Obesity makes the body move in ways it is not designed for and weight itself causes additional pressures on the back. Losing some weight is often one of the most useful ways of dealing with back pain.

learn more about back pain

Osteoarthritis and Obesity
Any additional weight placed on joints will lead to deterioration of the joint over a period of time. Obese men are three times more prone to osteoarthritis of the knees. Treatment to affected joints is problematic due to the likelihood of sugical complications and the fact that the duration of any replaced joints is shortened due to the person's weight.

learn more about osteoarthritis

Diabetes and Obesity
One of the main causes of type 2 diabetes is being overweight. Obese men are around seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Fat lying within the abdomen is thought to have a direct effect on the way the body processes sugars. As men tend to store fat around the stomach this increases the risk.

learn more about diabetes

Blood Pressure and Obesity
Staying slim is the most effective self-help strategy for keeping blood pressure at healthy levels. Men who are overweight will probably have higher blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of kidney disease, heart conditions and strokes.

learn more about blood pressure

Cholesterol and Obesity
For every 10 per cent above ideal cholesterol levels the risk of heart disease increases by 20 per cent. The heavier you are the higher your cholesterol levels are likely to be.

learn more about cholesterol

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