Belly Fat May Risk Your Health

Wellness

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Thursday, February 24, 2011, 16:35

On Monday when I came back from office, I heard that the man who lived in the block next to ours have died due to a sudden stroke. I barely had spoken to this man but we used to smile at each other every morning on our way to office. The first thing I remember of him is his huge belly. He did not have any major health problem, that is what I heard from others and being a health freak wanted to find out what could have got him the stroke. The answer I got after research was that his huge stomach is what led him to death.

Stomach fat is caused due to visceral fat which is located under the abdominal walls and is the most dangerous fat. The visceral fat is a more biologically active fat which affects the hormonal balance of the body. So, if you are the owner of a huge stomach, here are the risks you are open to -

1.Heart Disease – The first and foremost health risk of belly fat is heart disease. Stomach fat is a sign of high concentration of cholesterol and triglyceride, both of which according to a recent study is one of the major reasons for stroke. Liver converts blood sugar into fat which enters the blood stream and gets collected in the fatty cells of the stomach, thus giving rise to belly fat and health risks. According to the Weight-control Information Network (WIN), men with the waist size of more than 40 inches and women with a waist size of more than 35 inches, are at higher risk of heart attacks.

2.Diabetes - Yet another dangerous health risk of belly fat is the occurrence of Diabetes. It hinders the production of insulin by forcing stress on the pancreas. More force of the pancreas leads to forcing it to produce more insulin. In the long run, the pancreas give away functioning, thus, insulin is nor produced, which results in accumulation of blood sugar level. Excessive accumulation of blood sugar is called Diabetes.

3.Breast Cancer – Breast Cancer, one of the diseases which is causing maximum number of deaths in the world in a year is the next health risk of belly fat. Stomach fat results in excess production of estrogen, which is one of the major agents which causes Breast Cancer. This fact has been found by some of the recent researchers.

4.Varicose Veins – Veins in the leg to be more specific in the calf of the leg, pump blood, thus preventing it from flowing backwards. This also helps in distributing the blood in the whole body. Due to stomach fat these veins are also effected but putting excess pressure. In the process the veins become weak and thus, backwards blood flow takes place, making the blood clot. Blood clot further lead to hindering functioning of body organs.

These health risks of belly fat are not exceptional and the problem starts from the time of fat accumulation. To avoid these illness here are some ways to reduce stomach fat.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.