Sumter YMCA's Missy Corrigan: Shrink your waistline

Studies have repeatedly shown that a larger waistline is associated with an increased risk for health issues, specifically type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some clinicians promote that it is more important to trim your waistline than to focus on just losing weight. As we age, weight tends to creep up, and fat seems to settle in the middle. And as the waistline expands, the health risks increase.

Body fat, or adipose tissue, is considered to be part of the endocrine system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "the hormones created and released by the glands in your body's endocrine system control nearly all the processes in your body. These chemicals help coordinate your body's functions, from metabolism to growth and development, emotions, mood, sexual function and even sleep."

Glands that produce too much or not enough of hormones can cause an imbalance, leading to various health issues, including weight and fat gain. Endocrine disorders include thyroid disorders, diabetes and osteoporosis. When women have low estrogen and men have low testosterone, bones can become more brittle, increasing the risk of a break or fall.

Abdominal fat is stored within the abdominal cavity and directly under the skin. Where the fat gets stored in the body is determined primarily by genetics and hormones. Subcutaneous fat sits right under the skin, above the muscle. It is what you can actually pinch and grab.

Visceral fat surrounds the organs within the abdominal cavity. You can't grab it because it is located beneath the abdominal muscles. This type of fat is considered to be the most harmful to overall health because it surrounds the organs and can disrupt metabolic processes and how the hormones work. Studies have shown that this type of fat is more likely linked to type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease than subcutaneous fat.

There are many factors that can affect how the body's hormones work. Some suggested ways to balance the hormones and support the endocrine system include eating healthy fats, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and high-fiber foods, exercising regularly, managing stress and getting plenty of sleep.

These healthy habits may help you reduce body fat and also reduce your health risks. Additionally, using a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your abdomen, at the belly button, can help you track changes. Since you cannot control where the fat cells shrink first, focus on the healthier habits to support the endocrine system for better outcomes.

Missy Corrigan is executive of community health for Sumter Family YMCA. She can be reached at mcorrigan@ymcasumter.org or (803) 773-1404.