Belly fat is more than a disturbance that makes our clothes feel tight. It’s seriously harmful. One kind of belly fat — referred to as visceral fat — is a major risk factor for heart disease, type two diabetes, and other conditions.
Lots of health organizations use body mass index (BMI) to classify weight and predict the risk of metabolic disease. But, this is misleading, as human with excess belly fat are at an increased risk even if they look thin.
Belly fat is the heap of abdominal fat that results in increased waist size. It is also known as central adiposity or abdominal obesity. Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, serves crucial functions. For example, it cushions and insulates the body from extreme temperatures. Due to its role in hormone production, adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ.
Fat accumulated in the lower body, or the pear shape, is subcutaneous, while fat in the abdominal area (also known as the apple shape) is largely visceral. Where fat ends up is influenced by several things, including hormones and heredity. As the evidence against abdominal fat mounts, researchers and physician are trying to measure it, correlate it with health risks, and evaluate changes that happen with age and overall weight gain or loss.
The fat that we can pinch is subcutaneous fat. The fat inside our belly (the visceral fat) can be measured and seen, but not pinched.
Genetics.
Genes have a major role in the risk of creating obesity. Similarly, it appears that the tendency to keep fat in the abdomen versus other parts of the body, is partly influenced by genetics.
Interestingly, recent studies has started to identify single genes associated with obesity. For example, certain genes may impacts the release and action of leptin, a hormone responsible for appetite regulation and weight contol.
While promising, much more study needs to be conducted in this area.
If you have a larger waist, it could be because you are apple-shaped.
“You can’t discuss about the structure and size of your body without factoring in genetics,” said Dr. Khalid Saeed, a doctor of osteopathic medicine. So,that genetics definitely plays a role in where you store fat.
If your family tree indicate a tendency towards apple-shaped individuals, then you may have to be more diligent about getting enough physical activity and limiting your caloric intake. So, how do we know if we are apple-shaped? Well, if you have a larger waist and tend to carry a tons of your weight around your abdomen, there’s a good chance you’re considered apple-shaped.
Poor diet
Sugary meal such as candy and cakes, and drinks such as fruit juice, and soda, can: slow a person’s metabolism, trigger weight gain, and reduce a person’s ability to burn fat.
Low-protein, high-carb diets may also have an effect to weight. Protein assist a person feel fuller for longer, and people who do not include lean protein in their diet may eat more food overall.
Trans fats, in particular, can cause inflammation and may trigger to obesity. Trans fats are in many meals, including baked goods and fast food like crackers and muffins.
The American Heart Association suggests that human replace trans fats with monounsaturated fats, healthy whole-grain foods, and polyunsaturated fats.
Stress
A steroid hormone known as cortisol assist the body management and deal with stress. When a human is in a dangerous or high-pressure situation, their body releases cortisol, and this can impact their metabolism.
People often reach for meals for comfort when they feel stressed. Cortisol causes those excess calories to stay around the belly and other areas of the body for later use.
