Dr Amir Khan's weight loss warning as most advice we get is 'wrong'

Dr Amir Khan's weight loss warning as most advice we get is 'wrong' You could be at risk of heart disease and diabetes if your fat is mainly in one area A doctor has issued a weight loss warning, claiming that a lot of the advice we get is “wrong”. The expert explained what we should focus on instead to stay fit and maintain a healthy body weight. Losing weight is a common goal for many people, and with around 66 per cent of adults in England now classed as overweight or obese, it is a national health issue. However, there are many factors to consider when looking to shed some pounds. In a video uploaded to social media platform Instagram, Doctor Amir Khan warned that we often focus on “all the wrong things” when it comes to weight loss. Dr Amir, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, said: “Let’s talk about the weight we carry around our waist. Now, too, often advice is wrong. It's focused on all the wrong things - ‘trim down for the beach season’, or ‘show off those rock hard abs’. “That's nonsense, of course.” Instead, we should want to “get healthy”, rather than “thin or ripped”, he said. But he did stipulate that having extra fat around your belly could be detrimental to your health. Dr Amir continued: “Now, if you're carrying extra pounds around your midsection, know that losing belly fat is more than about conforming to unattainable beauty standards. “Because the weight we carry in our abdomen can be a sign of health concerns that are more than skin deep. It can be a sign of something called visceral fat.” Having an excess of visceral fat is linked to a number of serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. “Now, there's two main types of fat we carry,” he said. “Subcutaneous fat that lies just underneath our skin is what you see when you look in the mirror or when you pinch yourself like this, but visceral fat goes deeper. Some is okay, but too much can surround your organs and put you at risk of things like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as lots of other health conditions.” How to reduce visceral fat Luckily, visceral fat is “easier” to get rid of than subcutaneous fat, according to Dr Amir. However, some people may still find it harder than others to shift. He said: “Now, genetics and environmental factors play a role in how much visceral fat you carry. Genetics can determine your body shape and how much visceral fat you store, but environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and stress also play a key role. “Believe it or not, visceral fat is actually easier to get rid of than that fat just underneath your skin. That is because it's metabolised quicker, and your body can get rid of it in things such as his sweat, or even your pee.” He recommended: - Doing a variety of exercises - Limiting your sugar intake - Eating more protein and fibre - Getting enough sleep - Lowering your stress levels Dr Amir added: “To help get rid of some of that visceral fat, think about doing a variety of exercises, things that get your heart rate pumping and building muscle. Think about limiting the amount of refined or added sugar you eat, and getting more fibre and protein in your diet. “And don't forget, sleep is really important - seven to eight hours, and reduce your stress levels. Stress causes cortisol levels to go up, which can increase visceral fat and make you eat more. “I know all of that is easier said than done, but it's really important that you try and you stick to it.” If you are concerned about your weight, you should speak to your GP.