Metabolic Syndrome Is the Big Obstacle to Weight Loss From Tennis PlayMetabolic Syndrome (the slowing down of our metabolism) has increased in the US. It is estimated that over 50 million Americans have it. The phrase was coined in the 1950s and became more popular in the 1970s. People struggle with weight gain, especially the weight that can accumulate around the middle of the body. This is one of the main symptoms of the condition. Certain factors combine to allow the fat to be stored in our bodies instead of getting burned off. Insulin resistance is a symptom of a slowed metabolism. The body needs insulin to effectively control the amount of sugar in the body. Insulin helps the blood sugar (glucose) enter our cells. If the blood sugar can't get into cells, then the body produces more and more insulin, affecting kidney function and raising the level of blood fats. The visceral fat inside the abdomen is the toughest to target for weight loss. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the build up of this fat. You can burn more calories as you increase your metabolism through exercise. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy expended while at rest. This decreases with age and from dieting (odd as that seems). The constant stopping and starting in tennis produces a great BMR-increasing workout. We need to be intentional and proactive with healthy eating and exercise. The more live food we can consume the better. Live foods like raw spinach and various nuts have enzymatic activity that helps the digestion and nutrient absorption. Cooked foods, for the most part, are void of living enzymes. Metabolic Syndrome will occur with age, especially if we don’t take action to prevent this. Once weight gain sets in, it’s tough to combat the likelihood of this condition. Let’s fight this with exercise like tennis and other sports, and with healthy nutrition.
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