The Dangers Of Abdominal Fat | SNS Post

By Rebecca Rose of ChoiceEating.com

If you?ve moved you waistline to under your stomach, chances are you have a dangerous accumulation of visceral fat, commonly called abdominal fat. In contrast to subcutaneous fat, which lines the skin, visceral fat is packed between the organs.

Recent studies have demonstrated that those with an ?apple? body type where the fat is visceral are at greater risk of health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension and dementia than those who have a ?pear? shape where the fat tends to settles on the hips and buttocks. Insulin resistance is a symptom often associated with type 2 diabetes.

Studies also have shown a relationship between abdominal fat and breathing difficulties in men, specifically.

As with any fat accumulation, visceral fat settles in when more calories are taken in than used up. In some rarer instances, central obesity can be the result of medications or medical issues.

Various research studies conclude that the point at which visceral fat becomes life-
threatening may vary by race or ethnicity. Where fat settles on the body also is a matter of heredity and hormones.

Women in menopause may notice that where they carry their weight has shifted because of changes in hormones. According to the Mayo Clinic, a boost in estrogen that comes with visceral fat also can contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer.

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, experts have determined that abdominal fat cells are benign but rather are considered ?biologically active? in the same way as a gland. Excess fat, therefore, negatively affects the balance of hormones.

The first line of treatment to reduce and prevent visceral fat is diet and exercise ? at least 30 minutes a day.

Though many people believe that abdominal exercises, such a crunches and sit-ups are effective in burning away visceral fat, the Mayo Clinic reports they have little, if any effect.

Rebecca Rose is an award-winning writer based in Oak Park, IL, who routinely covers health and fitness, financial and women?s issues regionally and nationally.

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Source: http://www.snspost.com/the-dangers-of-abdominal-fat/

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