Belly Fat Management

AARP BULLETIN: Dated JULY – AUG. 2012, VOL.53, NO.6
Excerpts by Eloisa Dominguez

Our waistline is a good indicator of visceral fat. According to scientist there are two different kinds of fat. Subcutaneous fat, the kind that you can pinch and visceral fat or belly fat which is deep inside the body that surrounds the abdominal organs.  Subcutaneous fat is not dangerous. This is found in the hips, thighs, arms and legs. Visceral fat is dangerous to health. This is stored in the bellies and causes risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. In the U. S., more than 50% of men and 70% of women between the ages of 50 and 70 have larger waists. Visceral fat is linked with rectal, pancreatic, endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancer. Scientists think that excess fat may boost levels of insulin and estrogen triggering the growth of abnormal cells. Visceral fat also secretes hormone and lipids. It impairs the use of insulin increasing the risks of Type 2 diabetes and causes inflammation that causes heart disease. 

Many women started gaining belly fat after menopause. More fat goes to the midsection and less goes to arms, legs and hips. 

Combination of diet and exercise will help to do away the belly fat. Burning 3700 calories will lose one pound of fat. Aim to lose two pounds in a week. losing more than this will lead to ‘crash’ diet in which you rapidly gain back the lost weight. Doing sit-ups and crunches can actually make your belly grow in size and shape. It will push out the fat making the belly appear larger and thicker. 

Diet means more vegetables, fruits and grains. Avoid sweetened beverages, saturated fats and refined grains. 

Finally, less calories and exercise will melt away fat. Waistline again as mentioned is the measurement of danger zone for belly fat that is waistline for women 35 inches and larger and for men 40 inches and larger. The brighter side of all is that the belly fat is the easiest fat to lose. 

Eloisa Dominguez, CLS