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September 11, 2007
VAT
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) aka the Beer Belly
It is not the “spare tire” (subcutaneous fat) that makes the apple shape insidious, but the visceral fat, a deeper layer of adipose tissue that cushions the abdominal organs. In studies of patients in whom visceral fat was measured directly by CT scan or dual photon xray absorptiometry (DXA), excess visceral fat emerged as an independent risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
Visceral fat is directly linked with higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. One theory is that the chemical by-products of fat metabolism are emptied into the vessels of the abdomen and are circulated to the liver, where they influence the production of blood lipids. Visceral fat has also been associated with insulin resistance. In that condition, the body does not respond adequately to insulin, the pancreatic hormone that enables glucose to enter the cells. The glucose level in the blood rises and with it, the risk of diabetes.
-Nutrition Notebook
Sure cure for VAT elimination: CrossFit as rx'd + Zone adherence.
Post the most outrageous VAT elimination strategy you've run across to comments.
Rest Day WOD
After some rowing skill work, do the following, courtesy of CFNYC:
Using 65#, perform a max-rep set of:
Overhead Squats
Back Squats
Front Squats
Rest 3 minutes and then perform a max-rep set of:
Shoulder Presses
Push Presses
Push Jerks
The bar does not touch the ground, except for during the 3-minute rest period. No resting allowed. Once the bar stops moving, the set is terminated (e.g., if you're on OH squats and the bar stops moving, move on to front squats).
Posted by Nicole Okumu at September 11, 2007 10:00 PM
Comments
sad to say I thought that was me in the picture on the right. So far I'm down 8lbs after one month of CF and eating better. Less carbs, smaller portions.
The 8lbs came off quick, but now I'm kinda stuck. From reading everything on the CF site, I know spot reduction is not possible, but it worries me somewhat that after 20 years, that spare tire is solid and it's not going away.
We'll see.
Posted by: Brad at September 12, 2007 7:26 AM
The dude on the left is no great shakes in terms of body composition, either. Although at least he's possibly healthy.
Looks underpowered for mixed modal activities. I spy a triathlete.
(I know, I know...tangential.)
Posted by: Mike Minium at September 12, 2007 8:51 AM
Thanks for posting the rest day workout. Yep, my physician also warned of this VAT as well as the Fatty Liver issue which increases the chance of diabetes and heart disease predominantly in most populations excluding those of Northern European descent. (I think that means all of us, except for Minium.)
Posted by: angela at September 12, 2007 9:52 AM
Excellent attention to detail on the photo selection. This could be a before and after (after a lot of beer, that is). Notice the nipples are almost identical and the lack of hair...
I think that is enough thoughts on that (maybe too many).
Most outrageous VAT elim. strategy?
Liposuction.
P.S. I am supposed to be working right now.
Posted by: Vanessa at September 12, 2007 9:52 AM
A 1000 calorie a day all protien diet is probably the fastest way to lose fat. I have never tried it, but clinical studies show it works and spares muscle. It must feel like crap.
Posted by: Maximus at September 13, 2007 12:25 AM
Mike, I thought the photo on the left was you. Thanks for clearing that up.
Posted by: Tim at September 13, 2007 10:40 AM
Uh oh, looks like the cat's out of the bag. I admit it, I am a triathlete. Dang, Tim caught me.
Posted by: Mike Minium at September 13, 2007 1:39 PM