Belly fat is a common concern for many Americans as the New Year’s resolutions take off. While it may seem like a problem caused by overindulging in holiday treats, belly fat has a significant impact on overall health and can be classified into two main types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.
Subcutaneous fat accounts for 90% of body fat and is located just under the skin. It plays an important role in protecting bones, internal organs, and providing insulation. However, excessive subcutaneous fat above a BMI of 30 can lead to obesity and increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, makes up only 10% of body fat but has a significant impact on health. It surrounds organs such as the liver and intestine and is harder to detect. Excessive visceral fat can increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and certain cancers.
So, how do you know if you have a healthy amount of belly fat? Measuring waist circumference is one way, but it’s not always an accurate assessment. A more comprehensive approach includes considering other metrics such as blood pressure. Additionally, certain body types are more prone to having higher visceral fat, making it essential to adopt healthy habits.
To reduce belly fat, focus on overall weight loss and healthy habits rather than targeting a specific area. Make healthy eating choices by limiting sugar and saturated fats, staying physically active through aerobic exercise and strength training, and getting enough rest – at least 7 hours per night. By adopting these habits, you can stay holistically fit while reducing belly fat and minimizing the risk of related health problems.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/not-belly-fat-created-equal-100017590.html