When summer arrives and heat strikes, some women choose pants over the shorts that provide relief from the high temperatures. Although pants may be a source of discomfort, the cosmetic embarrassment of their varicose veins can be worse. While this condition usually poses no health threat, the visual damage they impose is enough for some people to hide them at all cost.
Basics of Varicose Veins
Approximately 25 million Americans have varicose veins, a condition most common in people between the ages of 30 and 70, according to Cardio Smart. This problem usually affects more women than men -- 72 percent and 42 percent, respectively. The veins in your legs push blood upward to your heart, and contain a valve preventing the backward flow of blood. Once damaged, these valves allow blood to pool backward. This creates varicose veins. They appear most commonly in your legs just under your skin, but may also develop in your ankles and feet.
The Obesity Factor
Obesity is not the only risk factor for varicose veins, but overweight women have a greater risk of developing this condition, explains VNUS Medical Technologies. Excess weight places undue pressure on your legs. This weakens the walls of your veins, causing them to lose their elasticity. Eventually the veins widen, separating the valves responsible for preventing the backflow of blood. The more blood that enters your veins, the more enlarged they become, twisting as they attempt to fit into their normal space.
Treatment
Doctors typically don't treat varicose veins unless problems such as blood clots, pain or skin ulcers result. The goal of treatment is to ease the complications you experience and prevent further complications. To shed excess weight, begin writing down everything you eat and drink for one week. This makes you aware of what and how much you eat. Keep track of the number of calories you eat each day and then reduce them. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains a reduction of 250 calories will shed a 1/2 pound per week, while reducing your intake by 500 calories will shed approximately 1 lb. UMM warns women should not drop more than 1,200 calories per week, while men should not go below 1,400. Reduce your intake of saturated fats. These fats should comprise no more than 10 percent of your daily calories. Focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Exercise between 20 and 30 minutes per day, three days a week. As your endurance builds increase your time.
Consideration
Talk with your doctor before beginning any weight-loss or exercise routine. If you need extra help or support, enlist the aid of a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can help you set goals, devise meal plans and offer coping techniques when you hit a weight-loss plateau. Set reasonable goals for yourself as well. Rather than saying, "I'm going to lose 15 lbs. in two weeks," say "I'm going to lose 1 lb. per week and be happy if I lose extra." Reward yourself for every 5 lbs. you lose. Your journey seems shorter when taking it in small increments.
