Carrying extra belly fat may be increasingly common, but it can be dangerous to your health. Excess belly fat can cause serious complications for both men and women. For most men, the risk of health problems increases with a waist size of 40 inches or greater, and 33 inches or more for women, according to MayoClinic.com.
Stroke
Excess belly fat in men can lead to stroke, according to MayoClinic.com. Complications from a stroke can include paralysis or partial loss of muscle movement, difficulty talking or swallowing, memory loss or trouble understanding and processing concepts, pain and changes in inter-personal behavior and ability to care for oneself. While some of the complications related to stroke are temporary, others are permanent. The severity of stroke-related complications depends on how long the brain lacks adequate blood flow and what part of the brain was affected.
Breast Cancer
Factors such as family history, age, breast lesions, heritage, early menstruation and alcohol use are well-known to play a role in the development of breast cancer. However, weight gain, specifically in the upper body and abdominal area can increase the risk of breast cancer, according to MayoClinic.com and Cleveland Clinic. Prevention is especially important in relation to breast cancer according to Cleveland Clinic, and along with losing excess belly and body fat, which creates a hormone that produces estrogen after menopause in women, mammograms are recommended yearly for women ages 40 and over.
Heart Disease
Along with high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking drug abuse and excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, too much body and belly fat can elevate the risk of heart disease for both men and women. Complications from heart disease include heart failure, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral artery disease and sudden cardiac arrest. Not smoking, staying physically active, eating a healthful, balanced diet, reducing and managing stress and maintaining a healthful weight are essential for preventing heart disease.
Metabolic Syndrome
Having too much fat around the waistline can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome for men and women, according to MayoClinic.com. Metabolic syndrome is a multitude of conditions associated with excess body fat around the waist, including increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels and abnormal cholesterol levels. Complications related to metabolic syndrome include diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to hardening of the arteries, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, consistent physical checkups and a healthful diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome.
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