It is becoming clear that whilst weight and health are related they are not synonymous. People who are “technically” overweight may live as or even longer than those of “normal” weight. The BMI, whilst a useful tracking tool is not by itself an indicator of good health.
What really matters is our metabolic health and how “inflamed “ our body is. Slow inflammation is the central issue in heart disease, stroke, many cancers and many degenerative conditions. In turn our hormones and the bacteria in our gut influence this.
Whilst this may sound complicated there is really good news. They are all connected and are all positively influenced by the same basic lifestyle measures.
So what do we need for good metabolic health?
1) We need to do regular exercise.
2) We need to be on a diet that is low in processed and packaged foods and high in fruits, vegetables, good fats and protein.
3) We need to be getting adequate sleep which for most of us is eight hours per night.
4) We need to manage our stress to keep our stress hormones in check. Things like guided relaxation, slow deep breathing or meditation are great for this.
So do these simple things and your metabolic health will be enhanced.
Dr Joe Kosterich – Doctor, Health Industry Consultant and Author
Doctor, speaker, author, and health industry consultant, Joe is WA State Medical Director for IPN, Clinical editor of Medical Forum Magazine, Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis company Little Green Pharma and Course Chair, and writer for Health Cert. He is often called to give opinions in medico-legal cases, has taught students at UWA and Curtin Medical schools and been involved in post graduate education for over 20 years.
A regular on radio and TV, Joe has a podcast – Dr Joe Unplugged, has self- published two books and maintains a website with health information. He has extensive experience in helping businesses maintain a healthy workforce.
Past Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association, current Vice President of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA, Joe previously held senior positions in the Australian Medical Association and has sat on numerous boards.
