Health Men often react significantly late to obesity

Men's Health: In case of overweight, countermeasures should be taken in a timely manner
In many aspects, men show greater health risks than women. Not least because men often do not care enough about their health and rarely visit a doctor, the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and the Men's Health Foundation report in a joint press release. A problem of many men is overweight, that usually develop gradually. "You do not take 10 or 20 kilos overnight," said the BZgA and the Men's Health Foundation. But often the possibilities for countermeasures would be perceived late.

A few extra pounds on the ribs after the holidays and weight gains during stressful phases in the job are familiar to many men. However, as they grow older, they become a major problem as the excess fat deposits are difficult to break down, reports the BZgA and the Men's Health Foundation. Also, many men would not pull the brake in time. For example, despite changing living conditions, such as less exercise in the new office job, they continue to nurture the old, high calorie eating habits. The booklet "Overweight" of the Foundation for Men's Health and the BZgA provides information on simple countermeasures.

Many men react late in the formation of excessive fat pads. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

More than two thirds of men overweight
Overall, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 67 percent of men in Germany are overweight and 23 percent of them suffer from obesity (obesity), according to the announcement of the Foundation Men's Health and the BZgA. This is determined by the BMI (Body Mass Index), which represents the relation of height to weight. From a BMI of 25 people are considered overweight, from a BMI of 30 as obese. Checking the waist circumference and possibly determining the fat percentage makes sense, as the BMI alone does not say much about what makes the body weight.

Health risks in case of high overweight
According to the experts, timely countermeasures are necessary in the case of signs of obesity, because excessive obesity can lead to fatty liver, diabetes and hypertension as well as an increased risk of secondary diseases such as kidney problems, a heart attack or stroke. "Who in recent years by more than a clothing size grown is, should be honest with yourself and admit that the body has changed and not the fit of clothing, "said the BZgA and the Foundation Men's Health. Those affected should react instead of waiting until the abdomen can no longer hide or the first health problems occur, because four kilos would be easier to break down than 20. Information on the support of fat loss can be found in the new brochure.

Moderately start with exercise programs
In addition to diet, weight loss is most important for exercise, which is why two and a half hours of physical activity per week, which burns at least 400 calories per hour, are recommended by the experts. Particularly suitable are "endurance sports such as running, walking, cycling or swimming," said the BZgA and the Foundation Men's Health. Also everyday activities such as lawn mowing, vacuuming or climbing stairs could be helpful. "Start moderately and do not overstrain yourself, otherwise the motivation will quickly fade," the experts said. In addition, a medical check-up of the cardiovascular system is appropriate in case of doubt, before the sports program is properly tackled. (Fp)