Carb Intolerance

Linoge

I was getting my BF% tested the other day in the gym. During the test (calipers) the instructor took a back reading. At Approx 12.1% BF I had a back reading of 12mm. Instructor said that this is a sign that I could be carb intolerant.

I have read articles from the internet over the last few days (also read a book on insulin resistance a few years ago, coincidentally) but would like some extra input and advise.

How does a bigger than usual back measurement indicate CI? I also know I should go on a low carb diet which I don't even know how to begin (much less want) to go about starting. Is anyone else here carb intolerant?

Feeling really pissed off with this now. It almost feels like I've been diagnosed with diabetes. That and the fact that I have been diagnosed by my fat back:(

t-ha

Where on your back did he/she take the measurement. I've heard Charles Poliquin relate higher than normal readings around the sub-scapular/suprailliac region to indicate carb intolerance, but I've never heard him reason why (I suspect it's from statistical analysis of clients). High readings around the love handle area are generally associated with testosterone AFAIK and it's fairly common.

Edit: Also, carb intolerance isn't a disease! It just means that your body will work better with a lower carb diet.

HardyEustace

by the same logic does that mean that women that are apple shaped (as opposed to pear shaped are more suited to a low carb diet?)

daveirl

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t-ha

Nice one Dave! I'll check the bi/tri thing when I go home, though even pinching with my fingers at the desk here I can tell it's not going to be good news.

ali.c

interesting read dave, thanks for the info. though it challenged my biology/chemistry capacity but its nice to know that even hormonal imbalances can be corrected!

Linoge

Wow Dave, great find! Thanks for digging that up, its got a load of great info on it. Everything from Supra-iliac on agreed and elaborated on everything I've been reading so far.

I'd say I'm getting a double wammy with high free testosterone levels as T-Ha and the article have mentioned along with insulin sensitivity. I'm going to have a look at Part II aswell for the testosterone part.

Transform

Why did your trainer not recommend dietary changes?

Charles would suggest unless you are under 10mm you will not tolerate carbs very well. From my own tests with clients about 70% of my clients have above this amount in upper back and would adopt a low carb lifestyle.

daveirl

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Hanley

daveirl wrote:

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Well said... anything under 175g is low to me!!

I must do the 7 site measure and see actually.

Transform

From my own testing i would get clients to eliminate most/all grains if above 10mm some will only drop fat with an elimination of all grains and most fruits.

I.e. no bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals (except oats).

Carbs are activity dependent - more you train aerobically the more you need but just get them from the right sources.

There is no need to count. If your fat levels are dropping its the right amount for you.

From my experience most of my clients will NOT NOT NOT drop ANY significant weight if they continue to consume wheat or sugar containing products and if they do (through excessive exercise) they just end up crashing and getting burnt out over the long term

Linoge

Transform wrote:

Why did your trainer not recommend dietary changes?

He wasn't my Personal Trainer, just an instructor at the gym that I asked to take my BF measurement. He just said that my back should be around 10mm and that I may be carb intolerant, I should cut down on carbs and increase lean protein and veg.

I did want to ask him more, but didn't want to take the piss. He is a PT as well as an instructor and BF measurement and analysis is an area that he specialises in. So I was just grateful that he told me what he did when he would charging other people for the same.

@Transform
Glad to see that I can still eat my porridge in the morning:) with regards to the fruit though, what would you particularly suggest to cut out or allow? I'm a big fan of apples, pears, bananas (trying to cut back to 1 a day) and satsumas. Am I waving these bye bye