Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is a type of fat that lies below the surface of the skin deep within the abdominal cavity. Although any type of excess weight gain is unhealthy, people with a large amount of belly fat are at risk for certain medical disorders. Speak to your doctor about ways to reduce belly fat, such as diet and exercise.
Identification
The type of body shape you have determines whether you have increased risk of medical complications from being overweight. Pear-shaped individuals carry extra weight in their hips, thighs and buttocks. Apple-shaped individuals carry excess pounds in the belly area, and they are at increased risk of developing medical complications such as heart disease, metabolic disorders, gallbladder disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Function
Belly fat acts as an additional organ by releasing dangerous chemicals and hormones that can adversely affect human health. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, visceral fat releases chemicals known as cytokines. Cytokines can interact with cells and cause changes in a person's insulin levels and blood pressure and can also affect blood clotting.
Risks
Certain risk factors are associated with visceral fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, genetics may play a role in the development of abdominal fat. As you age, muscle loss also contributes to additional weight gain. Women are more likely to develop belly fat than men during middle age. After going through menopause, fat distribution shifts from hips and legs to the abdomen. The hormone changes from menopause transform the way that your body breaks down and stores fat, which causes more fat to gather in the belly. In men, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are common causes of belly fat.
Size
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends measuring your waist size to determine whether you have an unhealthy amount of belly fat. To measure your waist, a tape measure should be wrapped around the abdomen and rest just above the hip bones. Men with waist sizes about 40 inches and women with waist sizes above 35 inches have heightened risk of complications from belly fat.
Prevention/Solution
In most cases, a physician recommends lifestyle changes to get rid of unhealthy belly fat. Reduced-calorie diets and daily exercise help reduce body fat in all areas of the body. Although spot exercises, such as crunches and sit-ups, may build muscle in the ab area, it is not possible to spot-burn fat. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests a minimum of two-and-half-hours per week of moderate exercise. Activities may include jogging, swimming, brisk walking and cycling.
Member Comments