Belly fat is fat collected in the abdominal region. It is not there by accident. We have made significant contributions to its development. In a way, we have also helped its generation by doing nothing (inactivity). This kind of fat is known as visceral fat. Visceral fat is fat which surrounds the organs. It is this visceral fat which gives the individuals the characteristic pear and apple shapes. Some people think that neither of these shapes is pretty to look at. Visceral fat is different from subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat has several useful roles to perform in the body. In contrast, visceral fat is all about disease.
Metabolism in Visceral Fat
Contrary to what people think, abdominal fat is not metabolically inert. It is vibrant and produces and releases several chemicals including hormones. Many of these compounds play a pro-inflammatory role. Thus, the metabolic activity of visceral fat can be harmful to the individual concerned.
Belly Fat and Other Diseases
The presence of fat in the abdominal region increases the risk for coronary heart disease. It also predisposes to the development of insulin resistance and subsequently, type 2 diabetes. The risk for dementia is increased as also the risk for some forms of cancer. This visceral fat can also affect your sex life as erectile dysfunction is one of the byproducts of obesity. Abdominal fat is associated with complications developing all over the body.
Abdominal Fat Likes its Abode
It is difficult to target fat deposited in the abdominal area for the removal of excess fat. In fact, the abdominal region is the first to acquire surplus fat and it is also the last place to lose fat. Exercises targeting the abdominal region are useful in the sense that the abdominal muscles are strengthened. However, this does not lead to total disappearance of fat present around your waist.
How do you know you are affected? Women having a waist size of over 35 and men having a waist size of over 40 are carrying excess baggage.
Can You do Anything About it?
Of course, you can do something about belly fat. Prevention is always better than cure. It is important to include whole grains in your diet without fail. The fiber in the whole grains permits better control of the blood sugar and this prevents excess deposition of fat.
Everyone knows the importance of burning calories through increased physical activity. The appearance of a protruding abdomen is very likely if your job involves continuous sitting. It is for the individual to find opportunities to get up and move. Walking continues to be one of the best solutions for burning calories.
Sources
- Choi ME, “The Not-so-Sweet side of fructose”, JASN, 2009, 20(3):457-459.
- Brenda LR et al, “Prediction of obesity in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in a birth cohort”, Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2010, 15(8):1166-1175.
- Heindel JJ, “the obesogen hypothesis of obesity: overview and human evidence”, Endocrine Updates, 2011, 30(4):355-365.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis, or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or, her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Vangeepuram Satakopan - I am using my 32 years' experience in the field of BIochemistry to explain health related topics. Dr.Vangeepuram Satakopan
