Excess visceral fat can be a risk factor for low bone mass.

Not all fat is created equal! Researchers have found that having excess intra-abdominal fat, also called visceral fat, can be damaging to your bones. Yikes! One more risk factor for osteoporosis. What to do?

1. Strength train 2-3 times a week to build a high level of muscle  strength and slow bone loss.

2. Get at least 30 minutes on most days of the week of cardiovascular, weight-bearing activity for its bone-building and calorie-burning effect.

Your high level of muscle strength, built with strength training, will make your cardio activities much more effective in burning subcutaneous fat, which is just under the skin, AND that pesky visceral fat, which is deep in your middle section, under the muscle, surrounding internal organs.

“For years, it was believed that obese women were at lower risk for developing osteoporosis, and that excess body fat actually protected against bone loss. However, a study presented today (Nov. 30, 2010) at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) found that having too much internal abdominal fat may, in fact, have a damaging effect on bone health.”

It’s COLD outside, but this article, from Stone Hearth Newsletters, is spurring me on to get out for a cross-country ski!