12/01/2023
Maintain a healthy weight
Gatlin emphasizes that it's not simply weight that's worrisome.
"Specifically, it is fat accumulation around the waistline that we're most worried about," says Gatlin.
(Related: Why Belly Fat Is So Dangerous & How to Lose It)
Also called visceral fat, this fat is biologically active, secreting hormones and other molecules linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A well-balanced diet is the first step toward reducing your waistline circumference, but exercise plays an important role, too. And in a world of trendy diets, Gatlin keeps things simple by recommending the Mediterranean diet-which is really more of an eating pattern than a diet.
"Really this emphasizes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats," says Gatlin. "You can still eat meat, but the Mediterranean diet typically prioritizes fish and plant proteins over animal products.