In recent years the focus in health news has been on belly fat and how this is so much more dangerous for a person than fat found on the buttocks and thighs. Many factors impact not only how much fat you store, but also where you store any excess fat.
Excessive eating, eating large portion sizes and not exercising all can lead to weight gain and obesity. Other factors include your metabolic rate, which is influenced by genetics but also by the thyroid hormones and other hormones, as well as your physical activity level. Hormonal changes throughout life can also impact weight gain, and in fact, women often gain more weight after menopause because of hormonal fluctuations.
Researchers recently found that even people who have a normal body weight have a higher risk of early death if they have excess fat on the belly. Excess abdominal fat deposits increase the risks of gallbladder problems and breast cancer, as well as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
SO WHY IS BELLY FAT SO BAD?
Scientists think that this particular fat is bad for you partly because of where it is found. All our internal organs (viscera) normally have some fat deposits, but too much fat here is not good for you. One reason is that fat actually influences our hormones and can cause an imbalance in these chemical messengers.
It also seems that the adipose associated with our internal organs triggers the production of more of the immune system chemicals related to the inflammatory response. Interleukins and tumor necrosis factor are two such cytokine chemicals which could be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
Another possible reason why this fat is bad for you is that it is in close proximity to the portal vein which passes through the liver, which means that fat deposits can easily enter the liver leading to increased amounts of the unhealthy LDL cholesterol being formed. Fat associated with the internal organs has also been linked to lower levels of healthy HDL cholesterol and increased insulin resistance.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE FAT IN THE BODY?
Health practitioners suggest that people adopt healthy eating habits and work to increase the amount of exercise they get each week. Eating healthy can be tricky if you are used to consuming sugary processed foods and foods high in fat. A big problem, especially in the developed world, is the tendency for people to buy and eat fast food which is usually not healthy. Such food is often cheap and convenient but the long term costs can be high in terms of the bad health impacts it has on health.
Moderate exercise is a good strategy and doing exercises like sit-ups can help to reduce belly fat. While cosmetic surgery cannot help you with fat on your organs, it is a good option for excess fat on the buttocks and thighs. This is something you can consider getting as part of an overall plan to improve your looks and your health.
