Why is Belly Fat So Bad?

We all know that it is dangerous to our health to become overweight to the point of being obese.   It is not only what our scale says that is important to our health, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that where we carry our weight is very related to health issues.

Belly fat which is also called visceral fat is held right up against our internal organs and is the most dangerous kind if fat to carry.   There is a guideline for what is called a “metabolic syndrome” that puts you at a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.  To see if you’re at risk, stand up and don’t suck in your stomach and measure with a tape measure.

For a woman, a measurement of 35″ or more indicates a higher risk from belly fat.  When men measure, they can’t just say their waist size is their pants size since they often wear their pants on their hips.  Men need to measure their actual waist.   A measurement of  40″ or more for men puts them at risk.

Scientific studies have found that abdominal or visceral fat is metabolically more active than fat elsewhere in the body.  The belly fat secretes fatty acids and 55 different hormones.  Three times the bad chemicals are produced by the visceral fat.

Many people think that abdominal fat is the last place they can lose through exercise and calorie reduction.  This is not the case.  Visceral fat is very sensitive to both of these factors. Through exercise, even something as simple as brisk walking, belly fat can be the first to go.  Sometimes, just a small weight loss of 5 to 10 lbs. can have a very signifigant benefit to your health.

Often, people look at the ideal weight charts and get discouraged thinking they’ll never reach their goals.  Keep in mind that even a little loss can shut down dangerous signals from abdominal fat.