What are the dangers of abdominal fat?

Impossible to detect with the naked eye, abdominal fat represents a danger when present in excess. There are ways to reduce it to reasonable levels, but this often involves a change in life.

What is abdominal fat?

Abdominal fat is also called “visceral fat” and affects everyone to varying degrees. It is fat that is located not under the skin, but in the visceral system around the organs. The distribution of visceral fat is different in men and women. Under normal health conditions, abdominal fat accounts for about 20% of total body fat in men and 10% in women.

With age, the proportion of fat on the belly tends to increase in both sexes, especially in women entering menopause. However, in case of excessive weight gain, men tend to store excess fat in the abdominal area, while women store fat in the lower limbs and hips (scientifically called the glute-femoral region). It is during the menopause that women need to pay more attention to the extension of fat tissue in the abdominal region.

The dangers of abdominal fat

The presence of visceral fat is not dangerous, it is its excess that causes complications for the arteries and the heart. The dangers of visceral fat are especially to be watched in case of abdominal obesity. Unfortunately, this type of obesity can only be detected by doing several tests via MRI or CT scans. It is not possible to detect a case of abdominal obesity with the naked eye, but if you tend to store fat on your belly, it is important to do some tests.

The dangers of abdominal fat are known to medicine. It is an additional risk factor for all obesity-related complications. Excess fat in the abdominal area doubles the risk of suffering cardiac arrest within 10 years.

In the body, excess visceral fat also causes an increase in the production of bad cholesterol. This can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes if the disease is not managed early enough. It is therefore important to consult a doctor as soon as the weight gain and the appearance of fat start to become a little too much. Fortunately, there are solutions to avoid the serious complications of visceral fat.

How to get rid of abdominal fat?

The dangers of abdominal fat can be avoided if a new lifestyle is introduced. This should be based on changes in physical activity and diet. To reduce abdominal fat, it is important to replace it with muscle.

Initially, start with exercises that increase heart activity such as walking, running, swimming and cycling. The regularity of practice is important. It is advisable to do these activities for at least 1/2 to 1 hour, three to four times a week. Don’t hesitate to call on a sports coach to help you with your program and encourage you.

You need to balance your diet more. Fruits and vegetables are obviously to be preferred, as well as stopping saturated fats and refined sugars. Cook your food as much as possible using fresh produce. If you want to quickly increase your abdominal muscles, favor the absorption of protein-rich foods, but white meat rather than fatty meats.

Also read: What is subcutaneous fat?