Belly fat can have significant risks for our overall health. It is vital that we do not ignore the potential impact it could have on our lives or lifespan.
Table of Contents
Why Is Belly Fat Harmful?
Belly fat not only involves the subcutaneous fat, which is an extra layer of weight or padding below your skin. It also affects the visceral fat which is located deep within your abdomen and surrounds other internal organs.
Excess body fat contributes to high levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and it negatively affects the body’s ability to respond to insulin. Further, it can contribute to a multitude of other illnesses and disease including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Inflammation
- Stroke
- Heart disease
Causes of Belly Fat
Some factors that contribute to belly fat include wrongly balancing your calories; there are other factors which can be responsible for belly fat. For example:
Genetics can wreak havoc with our body’s composure. They play a critical role in where and how your body stores fat. If you can balance the number of calories you consume and incorporate exercise into your day, you may be able to reduce the risk for belly fat despite your genetic profile.
Age is another factor in the battle of the bulge. As we age, our bodies experience muscle loss, especially for those of us who do not regularly engage in exercise. Losing muscle mass reduces the level at which your burns calories, and this makes it more difficult to retain a healthy weight. As a result, this loss of muscle mass makes it harder for your body to burn belly fat effectively.
Excess alcohol consumption increases belly fat. You’ve probably heard this piece of advice over and over again, but it is not without merit. Alcohol contains a significant number of calories which add to belly fat. Should you choose to drink, ensure that you do so in moderation.
Dumping Belly Fat
How can you rid yourself of unwanted belly fat? To lose excess belly fat, it is essential that you invest a bit of your time in exercise and management of your diet.
Nutrition
You can start by eating healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains. Focus on reducing sugary foods, carbs, and other refined foods. Increase your protein intake and avoid foods that contain trans fats. Increase your fiber intake so that you improve digestion and so that you are satisfied after meals. Establish portion control and practice increasing your water intake.
Stress
Sometimes you cannot get away from stress but take steps to manage your stress. This effort may even include seeking professional support through counseling or reinforcing your support network. Whatever route you choose, you should take time to evaluate stressors in your life. Excess stress can trigger the release of stress hormones in your body that prevent you from losing belly fat and instead, contributes to it.
Exercise
Find time to work out daily. It may seem impossible based on your current schedule, but you can get exercise without having to invest too much time in activity or participating in a vigorous workout. You can take walks, hike, or if you are worried about your joints, you can participate in water fitness activities. However, if you are ready for a fitness challenge, you can participate in more vigorous workouts such as spinning or jogging.
Sleep
Sleep is the main ingredient in your recipe for belly fat reduction. You must have it. Make sure that you aim for a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. This action ensures that your body has adequate time to rest and burn fat while you are sleeping.
Summary
In summary, belly fat may prove detrimental to your health, exposing you to risks of developing other damaging health conditions. There are actions you can take now to reverse the effects of unwanted belly fat.
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