When my blogging friend Jeri over at PinkAndPosh introduced me to the Go Red for Women campaign I discovered a new problem women can have from having a large (non-pregnant) belly. It’s called Metabolic Syndrome.
According to the Go Red for Women website, metabolic syndrome is…
“a group of risk factors that increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.” It continues to say you may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of these risk factors…
- Large waist circumference (abdominal obesity) – Waist circumference of 35 inches or more
- High blood pressure – 130/85 mm Hg or higher
- High fasting blood sugar – Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher
- High triglycerides – 150 mg/dL or higher
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol – Less than 50 mg/dL
“The safest and best way to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome is to make changes in your habits: lose weight, increase physical activity levels and eat right. Medicine also helps some people.”
I know I have a large waist (not over 35 inches, but larger than average) but after taking the Go Red Heart Checkup I realized I am at risk of having metabolic syndrome because in addition to having a large abdominal circumference, I also have high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol.
OMG…I do not want my “still look pregnant” stomach to be increasing my risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So in addition to wearing clothes to make me not look pregnant, I am also making a promise to myself to lose more weight around my abdominal area, increase my physical activity, and eat as healthy as possible. As part of my promise to get fit and be healthy, I joined the Mamavation Sistahood for motivation, inspiration, encouragement, and support.
Are you at risk of having metabolic syndrome?
Are you at risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes?
If yes, what promise can you make to yourself to lose weight, increase physical activity levels and eat right? These life changes activities just may save your life.
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