Centripetal obesity and metabolics malfunctions: patogeny, measurement and prophylatic role of physical exercise

Abstract

Although fat excess in the body is considered as an independent risk factor for the establishment of degenerative malfunctions, the concentration of fat in the subcutaneous region of the trunk and abdomen and, especially the one located in the intra-abdominal or visceral region, shows closer association with metabolic disturbances. The centripetal fat concentration consists of a clear risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, also known as plurimetabolic syndrome or simply “syndrome X”. This syndrome is characterized by a range of endocrine-metabolic malfunctions leading its carrier to a high impairment in his/her life quality, due to a resulting morbid mortality. The prevalence of visceral obesity and its possible degenerative consequences seem to be mainly a result of endocrine and genetic disturbances, being the diagnosis carried out through estimates for anthropometric measures or with methods of diagnosis by means of images. Among the resources used for the prevention and treatment of high levels of centripetal adiposity, a negative energetic balance through alimentary reeducation and physical exercise shows a high effectiveness. As a consequence, the trunk, abdomen and visceral fat may be preferably mobilized as an energetic source when compared to the fat located in other regions of the body. As for the physical exercise, there is no agreement in relation to the ideal type, intensity, frequency and duration, although the aerobic exercises prove to be the most effective ones.