Excess abdominal fat is extremely hazardous to your health. There are two types belly fat: “subcutaneous” and “visceral” fat. The subcutaneous fat is what gives the love handles or “tires” around the belly. “Visceral” fat lies around all the organs of the abdomen (stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, etc.)
Causes of belly fat
Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity will increase the visceral fat mass,
Diet: An unbalanced, high-calorie diet, especially in the absence of physical exercise, causes an accumulation of visceral fat
Genetics: Genes determine whether some people are more likely to develop abdominal fat than others,
Stress hormones: these hormones (like cortisol) contribute to an increase in abdominal fat.
Smoking: Smoking leads to the release of the same hormones as stress.
Dangers of belly fat
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
The increase in stomach fat especially the visceral fat is associated with newly identified risk factors and worsening cardiovascular disease. Several studies show that people who carry excess abdominal fat around their midsection also called spare tire face an increased risk of heart diseases compared to individuals who have fat elsewhere.
Abdominal obesity
Excess belly fats lead to abdominal obesity. This condition is associated with more significant metabolic alterations in the form of glucose intolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, altered lipid profile as well as a greater influence on the inflammatory processes.
Insulin resistance
Abdominal fat produces hormones and chemicals called cytokines cause the body to develop insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells have a lower ability to respond to insulin. Abdominal fats play a significant role in the onset of insulin resistance. If this condition is not corrected, blood sugar levels will get higher until diabetes develops.
Colon cancer
Excess fat in the stomach increases the risk of developing cancer, and also increases its severity. This abdominal fat is dangerous because it secretes, leptin; the hormone of hunger, which promotes the growth of cells, including cancer cells.
