Belly Fat Dangers Jenison MI
(616) 447-9888
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 554-0077
Grand Rapids, MI
Belly Fat Dangers
Sure, abdominal fat isn't flattering, but that's the least of your worries. The amount of belly fat--and the type can lead to several health problems. There are two types of abdominal fat--subcutaneous fat lies just below the skin and on top of the abdominal muscles; visceral fat lies deep in your abdomen and wraps around internal organs. Visceral fat is particularly unhealthy; a tell-tale sign that you have it is when your "beer belly" feels hard.
In early adulthood women tend to carry fat in their hips and thighs, while men pile on the pounds in their abdomens. Previously, the common belief was that fat just hung around in the abdomen waiting to be burned off as energy. However, researchers now know that abdominal fat is biologically active and contributes directly to health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, some forms of cancer--and several others:
Health Problems Caused By Belly Fat
• Hormonal problems. According to Harvard Medical School (HMS), abdominal fat acts like an endocrine gland or organ. It produces hormones and other chemicals and affects their function - hormones such as leptin, which affects your appetite
• Insulin insensitivity and diabetes. Another hormone abdominal fat influences is adiponectin, according to HMS. This hormone may influence how cells respond to insulin. Insulin insensitivity is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes which increases risks of heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness...
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