Fat is one of the six groups of nutrients we need to stay healthy. The other five are  water, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

However, we have to pay attention to the type of fat we are eating. There is both good and bad fat when it comes to diet. For example, avocados and nuts are usually considered sources of good fat. French fries, on the other hand,  will usually fall into the bad fat category.

Having some amount of body fat is necessary. Body fat protects our internal organs by serving as a cushion. It also helps keep us warm and gives us an energy reserve. Even the human brain is nearly 60 percent fat.

The problem is that so many Americans have too much body fat, which has been shown to increase the risk of developing serious health issues such as:

• Depression
• Heart disease
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Hypertension
• Fatty liver disease
• Osteoarthritis

Many people believe that we can look at a person and assess whether he or she has too much body fat. It is safe to assume that an obese person may have an excessive amount of body fat. On the other hand, not all skinny or “healthy weight” people are metabolically healthy. They too can have an excessive amount of body fat. I’m sure you have heard of the term “skinny fat.” A better medical term for essentially the same thing is “normal weight obesity.” This is why the number on the scale is not the best measurement of health.

This is where a body composition test comes in.

A body composition test is the most comprehensive test you can take when it comes to determining if you are not only at a healthy weight but also a healthy makeup of fat and other materials in the body. The pH Body Composition assessment uses a machine called the InBody 720. It is noninvasive, and within minutes you will get your total body fat and body fat percentage, lean body mass, BMI, total body water and basal metabolic rate. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how much fat you need to lose or gain, how much muscle you need, how many calories your body burns and how hydrated you are. 

In my opinion, this is one of the best health assessments (along with comprehensive nutrient testing) that you can take. As mentioned, having too much fat can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. It may even increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Karolinska Institutet, the amount of fat a person has (not necessarily his or her actual size) is a major risk factor for developing cancers of the digestive system.

“Genetic predisposition to high BMI was associated with increased risk of cancers of the digestive system, particularly liver, stomach, esophageal and pancreatic cancer, but not with increased risk of overall cancer,” according to this Medical Xpress report that discusses the study.

“The increased risk of digestive system cancers was primarily attributable to genes that influence fat mass.”

I realize that this study does mention BMI and not body composition, however, they still came to the conclusion that excessive body fat appears to be one of the main culprits behind the development of cancers of the digestive system.

“According to the researchers, the link between fat mass and digestive cancers may be driven by increased consumption of cancer-causing substances in fatty food, or increased levels of fatty tissue increasing inflammation in the digestive tract,” the report states.

You can be proactive.

The good news is that fat mass is a risk factor within your control. Exercise and diet are, of course, key. There is a science to healthy eating, and it is very important to make sure your body gets its daily requirement of essential nutrients. You can read about this in great detail here.

Finally, I cannot stress enough that size is not a good measurement alone. If you are someone who is thin but has a poor, processed food diet and does not workout regularly, I highly recommend taking a pH Body Composition assessment immediately. You may be surprised to discover that you have too much fat, putting you at risk for diseases that many people believe are reserved for very overweight people.

Fat is good, but too much is bad. This may be especially true when it comes to cancer and the health of your digestive system.

Enjoy your healthy life!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or another competent healthcare practitioner to get specific medical advice for your situation.                                        

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.