'Waist Management' an Important Part of Every Man's Health

FOR RELEASE JUNE 15, 2011

CHICAGO – While it isn’t typically associated with men, watching your waist size and, if needed, losing a few inches around the middle can have significant health benefits for men, according to the American Dietetic Association.

“For men, it’s more about waist management than weight management,” says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Manuel Villacorta. “For men to be fit and healthy, we need to focus on our guts.”

Abdominal fat carries more potential health risks than fat in other parts of the body. Research has shown that men’s risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers increases as their waistline expands. The culprit: the fat around the body’s internal organs, known as visceral fat.

“For the average male, a waistline of 40 inches or more is getting into the disease-risk zone,” Villacorta says.

Registered dietitians say men’s questions, interests and needs regarding food and nutrition tend to focus on such areas as being healthier; looking good; performing at their best; having more energy; recovering from injuries and learning how they can excel through healthy eating and activity habits.

“Eating better, decreasing stress levels, engaging in physical activity and getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep every day can help keep a man’s midsection under control,” Villacorta says. “Take positive steps to get your waist size down, like reducing portion sizes and cutting back on alcohol, combined with regular exercise,” he says.

Registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Jim White says education is vital for men to take charge of their “waist management” and their overall nutrition and health.

“Just as it’s important to know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight numbers, men need to know their waist circumference.” White says. “So, get out the tape measure.”

According to White, to correctly measure waist size, bring the tape measure around your back (over your bare skin) to meet in the front on your natural waistline – typically a little above the belly button at the narrowest part of your torso. Don’t hold the tape measure too tight or too loose. Write down the result and use it as one guide for overall health.

“Being fit and healthy is important for men and women alike,” White says. “Men can start by taking charge of the food they eat and getting more exercise. You can lose extra belly fat, look better, and your health will also improve across the board.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org/ .

ADA Urges All the Men In Your Lives Take Ownership of Your Health and Nutrition

American Dietetic Association

Urges All the Men in Your Life:

Take Ownership of Your Health and Nutrition

CHICAGO – When was the last time your father, brother, husband or partner cooked a meal, asked for a second helping of vegetables or did the grocery shopping? If recent trends are a guide, it happened recently, according to the American Dietetic Association.

“More than ever, men are playing a role in buying and preparing the food that is eaten in their household,” says registered dietitian Martin M. Yadrick, past president of the American Dietetic Association. “Not only is budgeting finances important, but men are also realizing the need for healthy calorie budgeting, too.

“Think of eating in terms of contributing to your 401k. Doing the right thing over time will make a huge difference down the road,” Yadrick says. “My advice is: Guys, take ownership of all your personal health needs.”

Registered dietitians say men’s questions, interests and needs regarding food and nutrition tend to focus on such areas as being healthier; looking good; performing at their best; having more energy; recovering from injuries and learning how they can excel through healthy eating and activity habits.

For men of all ages and all stages of life, eating right and being physically active are as important to health as annual physical exams and visits to the dentist, Yadrick says.

“For men as well as women, good nutrition is vital, but a man’s nutrient needs are unique due to higher muscle mass, larger body size and hormonal differences.”

Men can serve as an example of healthful eating – at work or at home – by making smart foods choices when they’re around colleagues, children and spouses.

“Cut down on meat portions and fill up the extra space with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds,” Yadrick says. By including these foods on your plate every day, men can benefit their health and potentially stave off obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and dementia.

“You can stay healthy and active longer – and that includes your sex life and fertility – if you make good choices when you eat,” says Yadrick.

With research showing that making small dietary and lifestyle changes every day goes a long way toward improving your overall health picture for life, Yadrick encourages all men to jump aboard the eating right bandwagon.

“Adding nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal is a great step in the right direction. Cutting down on portion sizes can make a huge difference in your overall calorie intake,” Yadrick says.

“It’s the results that matter to men, and our taste buds and health can provide the proof that eating right pays off.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org/.