There are many cosmetic and emotional drawbacks associated with excess belly fat, but other concerns arise as well. If you suffer from belly fat, it may threaten your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, belly fat can contribute to heart disease, some cancers and other chronic conditions that may become fatal.
Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
When you develop type 2 diabetes, your body’s insulin levels become compromised. Either you do not produce enough insulin or your cells ignore the insulin in your system, making your body unable to use glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes can lead to hypertension, skin disorders, glaucoma, cataracts and neuropathy, which can cause numbness in your feet.
Heart Disease and Stroke
High blood pressure and other heart diseases can result from an excess of belly fat. Under the strain of these conditions, your heart may fail, leading to heart attack. If you suffer from high blood pressure, your risk of stroke also increases. A stroke may cause many permanent conditions including partial paralysis, brain damage or death.
Sleep Apnea
If you develop sleep apnea, you may begin to suffer from excessive fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, and headaches resulting from a cessation of breathing during sleep. Intermittent drops in blood oxygen levels can lead to cardiovascular complications. You may also experience complications with medications and surgery, especially when sedated or lying on your back.
Cancer Risks
CalorieLab notes that certain cancers, such as colon cancer, thrive in the presence of excess belly fat. Visceral fat tissue, which is the fat found in and around abdominal organs, may create a more accommodating environment for cancer cells than other fatty tissues, such as the subcutaneous fat just beneath the skin. Belly fat can also prevent early detection of other cancers, which may develop too deep within the tissue to be noticed before it becomes too late for effective treatment.
Member Comments