Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is considered the most dangerous type of excess weight that a person can obtain. Belly fat is a link to a host of serious health problems and puts apple-shaped individuals at a higher risk of developing heart disease, metabolic disorders, gall bladder disease and diabetes. A person should work with his doctor to reduce belly fat.
Features
Belly fat rests deeper within the abdominal cavity than other types of fat and rests around the body's organs. Visceral fat can secrete chemicals and substances that can prove harmful to the body. The fat can affect a person's insulin levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides amounts.
Identification
According to USA Today, women with waists that measure more than 35 inches and men with 40-inch or bigger waists are at the greatest risk of developing problems caused by visceral fat. To measure your waist, wrap a tape measure above your hipbone and below your belly button. Relax your body as you take the measurement.
Risks
Besides a high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle, other factors can affect your risk of developing belly fat. As you age, your body naturally loses muscle mass. Muscle loss can affect how well your body burns calories. If you don't make adjustments to these changes, extra weight can creep on. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may also have a genetic predisposition to collecting fat around your midsection.
Prevention/Solution
A reduced-calorie diet is one of the most effective ways to get rid of belly fat. By eating 500 fewer calories a day, you can burn an average of 1 lb of fat per week. Instead of eating high-calorie foods and drinks, select healthier items. Food choices should include plenty of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Exercise is important, too. You should exercise an average of 30 minutes per day, performing activities like jogging, running, swimming and cycling.
Misconceptions
You can not spot burn belly fat. Doing sit-ups, crunches and other abdominal exercises can make your abdominal muscles stronger, but it won't reduce the amount of belly fat. Instead, you should do strength training to work all muscles of the body to build muscle mass and help you burn more fat.
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