Visceral fat around the abdomen may produce chemical that can decrease insulin sensitivity and boost type 2 diabetes risk.
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The fat surrounds the vital internal organs such as liver, pancreas, and intestines. It has emerged more harmful than subcutaneous fat as it can release inflammatory chemicals and hormones that can unleash harmful impact on your health. The main risk of visceral fat was influencing the production of cholesterol by releasing free fatty acids into the bloodstream and liver.
Belly fat has emerged as one of the most harmful types of fat and a serious health risk as it develops around the abdominal area that can surround vital internal organs. Increased belly fat, especially visceral fat, can pose the risk of causing chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
There are two types of belly fat that can be described below as:
1. Subcutaneous Fat: This type of fat is just beneath the skin and you can easily pinch it between the fingers. You may find it irritating but it does not pose any serious health risks.
2. Visceral Fat: The fat surrounds the vital internal organs such as liver, pancreas, and intestines. It has emerged more harmful than subcutaneous fat as it can release inflammatory chemicals and hormones that can unleash harmful impact on your health. According to a report featured in Harvard Health, “the main risk of visceral fat was influencing the production of cholesterol by releasing free fatty acids into the bloodstream and liver.” 1
Excess belly fat, particularly visceral fat can cause several health-related issues given below:
May Enhance Heart Disease Risk: Visceral fat can create substances that may elevate bad cholesterol or LDL and reduce good cholesterol or HDL that can cause clogged arteries or heart ailments.
May Cause Type 2 Diabetes: Visceral fat around the abdomen may produce chemical that can decrease insulin sensitivity and boost type 2 diabetes risk.
May Cause Inflammation: Belly fat can create cytokines and inflammatory molecules that can cause chronic health issues like Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and some types of cancer also.
May Cause Hormonal Imbalance: The fat can impact hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone) and insulin that can cause weight gain, metabolic disorder, and hormonal imbalance, according to a report published in Max Healthcare. 2
May Enhance Risk Of Some Cancers: People with increased belly fat may become vulnerable to develop some cancers namely colon, breast, and pancreatic.
Poor Diet Choices: One of the major causes of belly fat is selection of unhealthy diet. Higher intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, candies, fried foods, and refined carbs can cause higher calorie intake. Such foods are often quite low in key nutrients but high in unhealthy fats and sugar that can lead to fat build up around belly area.
Sedentary Lifestyle: An inactive lifestyle can also play a major role in causing belly fat. Spending long hours sitting at work or home can bring down the number of calories burned. In the absence of adequate and regular workouts, the body may store the unused energy in the form of fat, especially around the abdominal area.
Increased Stress Level: Chronic stress can significantly lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen. When you are under chronic stress, the body tends to release cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite and enhance fat accumulation. Stress can also cause emotional eating where people may end up eating high-calorie comfort foods.
Erratic Sleep Pattern: Inadequate sleep can also disrupt the hormones that regulates hunger and metabolism. Individuals not getting sufficient sleep often witness higher cravings for unhealthy foods and decreased energy levels. It makes difficult to stay active. With time, it can cause weight gain and increased fat around belly.
Hormonal Changes: An imbalance in hormones can also cause fat build-up in the abdominal area. Imbalance in hormones like insulin, cortisol, and sex hormone can impact how the body stores fat. It is especially common with ageing for women after menopause.
Excess Consumption of Alcohol: Alcohol contains empty calories that can cause fat build-up when taken in excess quantity. It can also impact body’s capacity to burn fat effectively that can cause fat storage around belly.
Genetics: They can also impact where the body stores fat. Some people are more vulnerable to fat accumulation around the belly area due to their genetic makeup. While you can not change your genes, but can definitely lead a healthy lifestyle that can manage its harmful impacts.
FAQs
What is the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat?
Subcutaneous fat is located just beneath the skin and can be pinched easily, posing minimal health risks. Visceral fat surrounds vital internal organs and is more harmful as it releases inflammatory chemicals and hormones that can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
How does belly fat contribute to health problems like diabetes and heart disease?
Visceral belly fat produces substances that reduce insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also elevates bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduces good cholesterol (HDL), which can clog arteries and heighten heart disease risk.
What lifestyle factors most commonly cause an increase in belly fat?
Major causes include poor diet choices such as high intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activity, increased stress leading to higher cortisol levels, erratic sleep patterns disrupting metabolism, and excess alcohol consumption.
Can hormonal changes affect belly fat accumulation, especially in women?
Yes. Hormonal imbalances involving insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones can influence fat storage in the abdominal area. This is particularly common in women after menopause, contributing to increased belly fat.
Are genetics a factor in belly fat, and can lifestyle changes mitigate genetic risk?
Genetics do influence where fat is stored, making some people more prone to belly fat accumulation. However, a healthy lifestyle including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep can help manage and reduce the harmful effects of genetic predisposition.
Harvard Health|Taking aim at belly fat
Max Healthcare|Belly Fat: Types, Risks, and Natural Ways to Lose It
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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