How the way you look can tell you about the state of your health — and give you hints of what’s to come
WE spend more time vainly looking at ourselves in the mirror than ever before.
But instead of worrying about wrinkles and double chins, scientists say we should be checking out our overall body appearance to help us live longer.
Experts have found that the way we look on the outside reveals a lot about our health on the inside – and can even predict future health problems. A new study, published today, reveals carrying fat around the belly is not only linked to heart disease but also predicts you are much more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
So what else is your body trying to tell you about your future health?
We look at the science behind our appearance and highlight the warning signs you should watch out for.
Lips
DEHYDRATED lips and cracked, sore skin at the corners of your mouth could be a sign of a weak immune system or Sjogren’s syndrome, an auto-immune disease.
Nails
WE are not talking un-manicured hands – but the condition of your nails could point to a lot of different health concerns. Spooned nails – that appear scooped out rather than curving downwards – can indicate iron deficiency, anaemia, heart disease and hypothyroidism.
If your nails are pink only at the tips and white elsewhere, it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as liver disease, kidney or heart failure, or diabetes.
Big breasts and hips
WOMEN with a small waist and big hips and boobs have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid.
This has been shown to boost brain cell growth, as revealed in a study of 16,000 females by the University of Pittsburgh in the US.
Research has also found those people with these body features tend to be more fertile.
Small thighs
A BRITISH Medical Journal study found people with thighs measuring less than 24.5in had a higher risk of premature death and developing heart disease and other health problems.
Those with narrow thighs may not have enough muscle mass to deal with insulin properly, raising the risk of diabetes and, in turn, heart disease. Doctors suggest increasing lower-body exercise.
Eyes
WE all think bags under the eyes mean we are tired. But scientists have found they point to fluid retention from eating too much salt or drinking excess alcohol, which creates bloating.
More serious issues are also associated with eye bags, including underactive thyroid and kidney problems.
Big arms
LARGER upper arms predict longer life and better health, studies have revealed.
Danish scientists found those with large mid-arm muscle circumferences had a reduced death rate.
Part of the reason is thought to be that bigger, stronger muscle contributes to health.
Muscle burns calories faster than other tissues, while muscle cells are also more responsive to insulin – lowering blood-sugar levels and the chances of developing heart disease.
Belly fat
EXTRA body fat, especially around the middle, has been linked to brain shrinkage, say scientists from Loughborough University, Leics.
This has been associated with a higher risk of memory decline and degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Excess belly fat can also lead to heart disease.
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Pear shaped
MEDICAL experts believe that pear-shaped bodies can be more prone to ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
This is because women with this figure tend to have an oestrogen dominance in their hormone levels, which can lead to hormonally sensitive cancers and poor thyroid health.