Insulin & Belly Fat

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it plays a major role in metabolizing fat and carbohydrates in the body. Excess abdominal fat produces hormones that affect the body's ability to properly metabolize insulin -- what's referred to as "insulin resistance." This can lead to serious health problems if unchecked.

Abdominal Fat and Insulin

There are two types of abdominal fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is just under the surface of the skin, whereas visceral fat is deeper inside the body, surrounding the organs. When the visceral fat, particularly abdominal visceral fat, is excessive, it produces hormones, such as adiponectin, and other chemicals that disrupt the normal balance and function of other hormones. One result is that cells of the liver, muscle and fat become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, commonly referred to as insulin resistance.

Insulin Resistance

In a normal situation, the cells of your muscles, fat and liver use insulin to break down sugar -- in the form of glucose -- into fuel. When your cells become insulin resistant, the levels of glucose rise, and the pancreas has to pump out excess insulin. This greatly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance also contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and some forms of cancer.

Expert Opinion

Although the exact effects of visceral abdominal fat on hormones are unclear, experts at the University of Harvard Medical Center suggest that one possible reason excess visceral fat is so harmful is its location near the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestinal area to the liver. The chemicals and hormones released by visceral fat enter the portal vein and travel into the liver, where they can influence the cells and promote insulin resistance. Subcutaneous fat, however, does not contribute to problems with insulin, according to a Washington University School of Medicine study published in the June 17, 2004, edition of "The New England Journal of Medicine." In the study, 15 obese women who had up to 23 lbs. of subcutaneous fat removed by liposuction showed no changed in insulin levels after three months.

Considerations

Dr. Michael Jensen of the Mayo Clinic recommends reducing abdominal fat by following a general weight loss program that includes reducing calories and exercising, which should include strength training and 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. Situps and other abdominal exercises can be included, but they won't help get rid of abdominal fat directly; they will only tighten and tone the muscles. While there is no one food that will help get rid of abdominal fat, eating monounsaturated fats -- such as olive oil, tart cherries, whole grains, olives and nuts and seeds -- in moderation have been found to promote reduction of fat in the abdominal area.