Belly fat has a direct connection to your health. It is usually directly attributed to how you treat your body. The foods you eat and your lifestyle can be seen on your waistline. Not only is belly fat physically unappealing and uncomfortable, but it is also dangerous to your body. Belly fat usually accumulates due to a combination of lack of exercise and poor diet.
Types of Belly Fat
There are two kinds of belly fat. There is fat that you can see in the form of love handles and muffin tops. This is the kind of fat you want to get rid of for vanity reasons alone. This kind of fat is called subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is a dangerous fat. Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds the organs and can come with serious health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, visceral fat is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health problems.
Nutrition
Nutrition is directly linked to belly fat. A diet consisting of lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables will help to keep your waistline trim because these foods are filling and are low in fat. Foods like chips, cookies, frozen foods and soda are empty calories and often cause bloating because of large amounts of sodium. Empty calories refers to the idea that these foods provide no nutritional value and instead are simply calories that don't benefit your body. Also, eating large amounts of food can lead to belly fat. It is important to practice portion control to keep your waistline from expanding. Eating too much of any food will lead to weight gain.
Exercise
A lack of exercise can be a reason for weight gain in the midsection. Exercise is the key component to losing weight. Without exercise, you are not burning as many calories and your energy that is not used will be stored as fat. Exercising on a frequent basis will help to shrink the waistline as well as the entire body.
Exceptions
Belly fat most commonly is attributed to a poor diet and a lack of exercise. However, there are a few other reasons that may cause belly fat. Belly fat can also be a product of stress, to a degree. The Mayo Clinic explains that stress can cause weight gain simply because, during a time of stress, you may find it hard to keep up your health habits.. Genetics can also play a slight role. Every person is shaped differently, but some figures tend to carry more weight in the midsection. This would never be the reason someone is obese but it can explain extra tummy bulge. Poor posture can also be the culprit for a belly pouch. Slouching can cause the appearance of a bulging belly.
Risks
Belly fat is more than just a physical problem that keeps you from fitting into your skinny jeans. The Mayo Clinic explains that too much belly fat increases your risk for heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and colorectal disease. Putting on any extra weight is not good for your health, but putting on weight around the midsection is particularly detrimental to your health.
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