Too much fat anywhere on your body can lead to an increased risk of certain health problems. However, the fat around your abdomen can pose a more serious risk than the fat surrounding your hips, thighs and arms. Large amounts of abdominal fat can lead to an increase in blood pressure. In fact, according to the American Council on Exercise, your blood pressure can increase up to 10 percent.
Fat
The fat around your midsection contains two separate types of fat. The layer of fat directly beneath your skin is referred to as subcutaneous fat. You can easily see, feel and grasp this layer of fat with your fingers. Visceral fat is the other type of fat that takes up space deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding your internal organs. This type of fat is damaging and is associated with such medical conditions as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Risks
Visceral fat can increase your risk of serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease due to such factors as increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A high percentage of visceral fat may disrupt the normal function of adiponectin hormones, which influence your body's response to insulin and increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to Harvard University Health Publications.
Symptoms of Hypertension
High blood pressure often has no symptoms during the early stages. Some people notice slight indications of possible problems, such as dizziness, nosebleeds and dull headaches. However, these mild symptoms usually don't occur until high blood pressure reaches a severe stage. Because these symptoms are mild and often disregarded, regular blood pressure testing is the most effective way to keep track of this condition.
Prevention
Normal aging tends to result in a decrease in lean body tissue and an increase in body fat. While men tend to gain weight more readily around their middle throughout their lives, women often experience an increase in visceral fat after the age of menopause when their bodies begin to store more fat around the organs than over the hips and thighs. Regular exercise and diet are the most effective methods for losing fat, including visceral fat. Lowering your level of stress by getting adequate sleep or learning coping methods will also help decrease your risk of developing excessive amounts of visceral fat. Losing the fat in this area can help reduce blood pressure.
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