Exercise and Body Fat Changes

A new study looked at how exercise affects the distribution of body fat. The study in Obesity examined data from 10,500 healthy US men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Moderate to vigorous aerobic activity was most strongly associated with body weight change. Interestingly, only weight training at 20 minutes a day resulted in a significant decrease in waist circumference. Both an increased waist to hip ratio and an increased waist circumference are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Men should have a waist to hip ratio no larger than .90 and women no larger than .85. Waist circumference should be under 40 inches in men and 35 inches in females. Belly fat or abdominal fat is  "angry" or inflammatory fat.