If you’re a man or woman with excess belly fat, this article will show you the extreme dangers of belly fat and how to get rid of it.
Having excess fat around your waistline may make you feel angry and frustrated every time you look into the mirror. However, that shouldn’t be your only concern.
Numerous studies show that belly fat can significantly increase your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
Where fat is stored in the body has a huge impact on your health. Research suggests that belly fat (visceral fat) is one of the most dangerous fats you can have in your body.
In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that having a large waistline can double the chances of premature death, even when you are not overweight.
This is a wakeup call to skinny people with belly fat, not to rest easy until they melt away the unwanted fat in their midsection.
There are two types of belly fat, visceral and subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is very dangerous and is usually stored around major organs including the liver, kidney, pancreas, and so on. It is common among people with apple-shaped bodies.
Subcutaneous fat, on the other hand, is stored underneath the skin and is less dangerous than visceral fat. It is the fat you feel when you grab your belly. You have to get rid of this fat if you want to get ripped six-pack abs.
What causes belly fat?
Overeating is the number one cause of belly fat. If you eat more calories than your body needs, the excess calories will be stored as fat in different body parts, including the belly.
Genetics, gender, metabolic and hormonal factors have also been linked to belly fat.
According to one study that investigated over 68,000 people, researchers found that genes may be linked to the waist-to-hip ratio.
There is also a link between belly fat and hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, and insulin. Research shows that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lead to the accumulation of fat in the mid-section.
Low levels of estrogen can also trigger weight gain. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome have also been shown to increase belly fat.
However, people whose genes and hormones are not predisposed to belly fat can still have protruding bellies if they maintain poor eating habits, allow stress to build up, or don’t work out regularly.
Extreme dangers of belly fat
1. May increase risk of heart disease
According to a recent study that involved more than 15000 participants, people with high levels of abdominal fat have a higher risk of heart diseases than people who have healthy belly fat levels irrespective of their body weight.
2. May increase blood pressure
Research suggests that excess belly fat can raise blood sugar levels and may lead to elevated blood pressure. It can also reduce the levels of HDL cholesterol and increase triglycerides in the body.
3. May trigger type 2 diabetes
Excess abdominal fat increases the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, a leading factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes.
4. May cause cancer
Visceral fat tissue often secretes a large number of cytokines, which are harmful to the body and may encourage cancerous growth in healthy cells and disruption of hormonal activities.
This implies that people with excess belly fat have a higher risk of developing cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, colon, and breast.
5. May cause insomnia
Studies have linked increased levels of visceral fat to sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, fitful sleep, daytime sleepiness, and snoring.
Even worse, is that lack of sleep makes it harder to lose belly fat. Therefore, it’s important to get deep quality sleep every night.
6. May increase risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Research shows that excess amounts of abdominal fat can affect the brain negatively, increasing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia in old age.
7. May worsen depression
Researchers have also found evidence linking high levels of belly fat with depression and symptoms resembling depression.
8. You may develop lung problems
People with high levels of visceral fat tend to have reduced lung function. Scientists think this is due to the increased release of inflammatory chemicals that damage the lungs.
9. May trigger migraines
According to a study conducted by researchers at the Drexel University College of Medicine, women with excessive abdominal fat had 30 percent higher risks of suffering from migraine headaches compared to women with ideal weight.
10. May increase risk of arthritis
People who have excess belly fat have a higher risk of osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that the adipokines and cytokines secreted by visceral fat tissue can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Who is at risk of accumulating belly fat?
Traditionally, men are more predisposed to building up excess belly fat because women tend to store fat in the subcutaneous layers of the hips, thighs, and buttocks. However, research has shown that the risk of women accumulating visceral fat increases with menopause.
How to lose belly fat
Eat healthily
According to the Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control (CDC), eating wholesome food such as high-fiber oatmeal, brown rice, brown bread, fruits and vegetables, beans, and lean meats can help reduce belly and subcutaneous fat.
Foods rich in monounsaturated fats such as avocados, almonds, olive oil and peanut butter as well as foods high in polyunsaturated fats such as salmon, herring, trout, and sunflower oil can also help reduce visceral fat.
Staying hydrated at all times and steering clear of sugary foods and drinks can reduce the accumulation of belly fat.
Regular Exercise
Exercise, even light or moderate-intensity workouts can help reduce belly fat. But don’t fool around trying to do ab exercises to lose belly fat. Rather, do full body exercises that will increase muscle mass and burn more fat in every workout.
If you don’t want to do strength training, simple exercises like walking can help you lose belly fat. Use these tips to increase your steps every day.
Control your stress levels
Cortisol, the stress hormone has been shown to increase belly fat. You can melt your belly fat by reducing stress levels through deep breathing, meditation, and other forms of relaxation that can help calm your thoughts and release tension from your body.
Sleep
Research shows that lack of sleep is a contributor to visceral fat gain, diabetes, and many other health disorders. Make sure to get between 7 and 8 hours of quality sleep every day.
Belly fat gets a lot of attention, but it’s usually for aesthetic reasons. Now, you have more reasons to burn that bulging belly because it can lead to many health problems now and in the future.
The fat loss tips above work. But the truth is you will lose the dangerous belly fat faster and easier if you follow a customized plan. The VFX BODY will show you exactly how to lose belly fat and keep it off without starving yourself or doing cardio for hours.
If you are serious about losing dangerous belly fat, take a keen look at this plan.
[related_posts_by_tax posts_per_page="4"]
