Belly Fat Health Risks

Did you know that most people today carry excess abdominal fat? Many studies have already proven that around 70% of people in first world countries like the United States are now either overweight or obese. Most of these people carry not only unsightly but also dangerous belly fat. In fact, there are numerous belly fat health risks that are already proven.

Health Problems related to Belly Fat

A new study conducted by the highly regarded Mayo Clinic proved that people who have excess belly fat are at a greater risk of having health problems. However, belly fat is more common in men compared to women. Here’s a fact for you. Men tend to store fat in the abdominal area while women tend to store fat in other areas like the hips and legs.

Nevertheless, regardless of sex and overall weight, carrying a large amount of belly fat increases risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, insulin resistance and many other health problems.

Types of Belly Fat

Let’s examine this idea closely. There are actually two types of belly fat namely subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the type of belly fat that is located directly beneath the skin above the abdominal muscles. On the other hand, visceral fat is the type of belly fat that is located deeper in the abdomen beneath the abdominal muscles. Visceral fat surrounds the internal organs.

Now, listen closely. Although both types of belly fat are serious health risk factors, several studies indicate that visceral fat is more dangerous compared to subcutaneous fat. This is because this particular type of belly fat releases more toxic substances to the body.

How to Minimize or Eliminate Belly Fat Health Risks

Here’s the bottom line. The best way to minimize or eliminate these serious health risks of belly fat is to reduce belly fat or to lose excess weight. To stress, the best way to do so is through a proper diet and exercise program. Focus here. You cannot spot-reduce or specifically lose belly fat through abdominal exercises, okay? You have to create a daily calorie deficit by eating less and exercising more.

Everyone knows that although dieting alone works, exercising helps make the process faster. Also, exercise has numerous health benefits like better cardiovascular health, new brain cell development, anti-depressant properties and many more.

Fact! A high carbohydrate diet leads to insulin resistance after some time and this is one of the major reasons why some people carry more visceral fat. This means that you have to minimize sugar and starch intake in order to prevent the accumulation of visceral fat. Also, according to studies, high fructose intake is one of the major causes of having excess visceral fat. In terms of exercise, the best way to reduce visceral fat is through high intensity exercise like interval training and circuit training. Undeniably, these are proven to be more effective in weight loss and reducing belly fat compared to traditional low intensity cardiovascular exercise and abdominal exercises.

Do you have your own belly fat health issues? Share with others how you conquered them.