Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is not just a cosmetic concern. It can have serious implications for your overall health and well-being. But just how bad is belly fat?
The Dangers of Excess Belly Fat
But if you have too much of it, you may be more likely to get high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and certain cancers, including breast cancer and colon cancer. Although some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may positively contribute to weight loss, in addition to its other health benefits, more research is needed to confirm this connection. Consuming apple cider vinegar without making other lifestyle modifications is unlikely to contribute significantly to a reduction in belly fat.
Excess belly fat is associated with a higher risk of developing a range of health conditions, including:
Research shows that belly fat carries serious health risks. Instead, the right amount of body fat for you will depend on your particular dietary habits, nutritional needs, underlying health conditions, and particular goals. On average, women tend to have higher body fat percentages than men, including at the same BMI. This is likely due to differences in body composition that prepare the female body for potential pregnancy. Visceral fat is easier to lose, so it’s typically the first to go when you start losing weight, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Regardless of whether you’re trying to burn belly fat or burn fat elsewhere on your body, though, it comes down to eating a healthy diet and exercising, Dr. Harper says. Cut back on your calorie intake by keeping your portions in check and be active every day. “Resistance training is probably more helpful than just cardio to replace fat with muscle mass,” Dr. Harper says. Artificial trans fats have been shown to cause inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and various other diseases.
- Heart disease: Belly fat produces inflammatory substances that can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Type 2 diabetes: Visceral fat interferes with insulin function, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes.
- High blood pressure: Belly fat can lead to the development of hypertension.
- Stroke: Individuals with excess belly fat are at a higher risk of stroke.
The cytokines produced by visceral fat don’t just affect insulin levels. They can also affect cells’ ability to regulate blood pressure. Among the many studies tying belly fat to high blood pressure is research published April 2017 in the journal ‘Heart’ that followed more than 10,000 Chinese adults for six years.
If you’re struggling to reach your fat-loss goals, Herrmann reminds us that many people find it challenging to make significant changes on their own. Just like you could turn to a coach for athletic training or a mentor for business advice, many people may benefit from working with a trained professional to reach their health goals. For instance, your body uses subcutaneous fat to store energy, protect your muscles and bones and help regulate your body temperature, Herrmann says. The reason why your belly fat is hard or soft comes down to the two types of fat in your abdomen ‘ here’s what to know about each. There are several types of fat you can carry in your belly.
FAQs About Belly Fat
Q: How do I know if I have too much belly fat?
A: A simple way to determine if you have excess belly fat is by measuring your waist circumference. For men, a waist size over 40 inches, and for women, over 35 inches, indicates too much belly fat.
Q: Can belly fat be reduced?
A: Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce belly fat over time.
In conclusion, it’s clear that belly fat is more than just a cosmetic issue. It poses significant risks to your health and should be taken seriously. By taking steps to reduce belly fat through lifestyle changes, you can improve your overall health and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
