BELLY FAT – CAUSES AND REMEDY
Hello friends. In this essay I will discuss belly fat including their causes and remedy as well as the health implications.
Do you know that belly fat, or visceral fat, lies deeper in the abdomen? Unlike subcutaneous (just under the skin) fat, visceral fat has been linked to health problems such as in increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and a higher need for gallbladder surgery.
Alcoholic beverages may contribute to weight gain, including belly fat. Alcoholic drinks contain calories but usually no nutrients. Drinking can impair judgment that can lead to poor food choices, among other things.
Drinking in excess causes many health problems. Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages for a smaller belly and better overall health.
A study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) found that young adults who eat at fast-food restaurants more than twice weekly gain more weight and have a greater increase in insulin resistance in early middle age. After 15 years this translated to an extra 10 pounds, and twice the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Many fast food meals contain an entire day’s worth of calories in just one meal.
We can reduce our belly fat by giving a little more attention to what we eat.
Visceral fat has been found to be biologically active. Excess abdominal fat seems to disturb the normal balance and function of hormones and other substances in the body. It produces hormones such as adiponectin, which may influence cell responses to insulin. Visceral fat also produces a chemical called a cytokine, which can increase the risk for heart disease.
Other chemicals are thought to affect cell sensitivity to insulin, blood pressure, and blood clotting.
It doesn’t matter where calories come from – a calorie is a calorie. One gram of fat equals 9 calories, while 1 gram of carbohydrates or 1 gram of protein contains 4 calories.
Whatever you eat, the key to weight loss and loss of belly fat is to eat fewer calories, and exercise more to burn more calories. Be careful when consuming low-fat or fat-free foods, as many of these foods may be high in sugar, and even high in calories.
Fat-free foods are not necessarily low-calorie. Eating twice as much of a fat-free food as a regular food will likely increase your overall caloric intake. Read labels and make sure that reduced fat foods are also reduced calorie foods.
What additional measures are you taking to reduce your belly fat? I would like to hear from you. Join us on my Facebook page: Path To A Healthy Lifestyle
This is another post by our guest author
Adaku Udo
Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant by American Fitness Professionals Associates (AFPA)
