IS ABDOMINAL FAT DANGEROUS?

We all have fat. In fact, a certain amount of body fat is essential for physiological functioning and is protective against injury. This article isn’t talking about that squeezable layer, but rather the fat that can begin to accumulate internally (or visceral fat).

The areas in which you are more likely to carry fat impacts your overall health/risk for disease. If you carry fat lower on your body, it is less dangerous, as this fat does not surround the organs. Visceral fat carried around the stomach is not advantageous and can accumulate regardless of weight, gender or age. Sometimes it presents as a hard, distended belly (typically in men) or may show up on MRI scans in women.

Here are some helpful tips for targeting visceral fat.

1.  OVERALL FAT LOSS-

No matter how many crunches or lunges or squats you do, fat loss cannot be targeted to specific areas of the body. In order to reduce visceral fat, overall fat loss needs to be achieved through diet and lifestyle modifications.

The reason to reduce visceral fat is due to its association with an increased risk of several diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia and stroke. When possible, always work with a healthcare professional in order to achieve fat loss in a safe and responsible way.

2.  GET YOUR HORMONES CHECKED-

As we age, women begin to produce less estrogen and men produce less testosterone. Simultaneously, muscle mass begins to decrease, and fat mass begins to increase. While this process is biological and natural, it can be helpful to have your hormones managed by your doctor to ensure that they are within normal limits for your age, gender, etc.

Young and middle-aged individuals can also experience hormone imbalances or develop conditions that affect their hormones and may lead to unwanted visceral fat gain. Similarly, enlisting the help of a medical professional is an advantageous way to take control over your health and to ensure that you are on the right track.

3.  PRIORITIZE SELF CARE-

Too much stress, poor sleep quality, depression, etc. all contribute to unwanted weight retention due to their inflammatory effects on the body. Prioritize the “small” things like drinking enough water, getting vitamin D, spending time with people whom you enjoy, etc. While that may sound cliché, physical health often directly follows mental health.