By Daily Health
Post February 27, 2013
By now, most of us are well aware of the health risks that are
associated with obesity. But did you know that excess abdominal fat in
particular carries its own set of risks? A high waist-to-hip ratio, caused by
visceral fat setting up shop inside your abdomen and around your organs, has
been associated with these five long-term health issues.
#1 Decreased Lung Function
Last year, a team of Finnish researchers found that a large waist
circumference is related to decreased lung volume and function. In comparison
with other healthy, non-smoking adults who did not have excess abdominal fat,
those who carried more fat performed far more poorly on spirometry (breath
measurement) tests.
Over time, this decreased lung function can lead to a narrowing of the
airway and ultimately chronic lung diseases like asthma.
#2 Arterial Degeneration
Another 2012 study found a significant correlation between abdominal
obesity and high incidence of arthrosclerosis and arterial stiffness. The
researchers studied both individuals with abdominal obesity and general
obesity, as well as healthy individuals, and discovered that for every 0.1
increase in the waist to height ratio, arterial issues worsened. This tendency
was particularly pronounced in people with excess abdominal fat. Arterial
degeneration can lead to stroke and various forms of heart disease.
#3 Poor Blood Sugar Regulation
Visceral fat – the type of fat found in people with abdominal obesity –
produces a number of hormones that can wreak havoc on your metabolic systems.
These hormones can trigger changes to insulin receptors in your body, meaning
that insulin starts to become less effective in helping to regulate your blood
sugar. This is, of course, one of the major causes of diabetes.
#4 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
It turns out that what’s going on in your gut can have a big effect on
your brain. A 2010 study found that a high waist-to-hip ratio, as well as the
presence of abdominal visceral fat in general, is linked with low brain volume.
Low brain volume has in turn been linked with general dementia and may also be
a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s disease.
#5 High Cholesterol
Visceral fat can be turned into free fatty acids by the body, which
results in the production of LDL (also known as “bad”) cholesterol and
triglycerides. In addition, the free fatty acids also reduce the body’s level
of HDL (also known as “good”) cholesterol. Along with abdominal obesity’s
relationship with arterial degeneration, the cholesterol-related effects of
excess belly fat are a perfect storm for heart disease, high blood pressure,
and stroke.
Where you tend to store your fat is largely dictated by your genes, but
if you have excess abdominal fat, there are ways to minimize your risk.
According to the experts, exercise is the best way to get rid
of that visceral fat, even more so than calorie restriction (although sticking
to a healthy diet is always a good idea). Aim for half an hour to an hour of exercise
most days of the week, and with determination, you should be able to shrink
your belly and your chances of developing any of these long-term health
problems.
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