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Doctor Warns: Belly Fat Linked to Heart Disease & Diabetes
16 Jul
Summary
- Visceral fat surrounding organs poses risks for heart disease and diabetes.
- Metabolizing visceral fat is quicker, aiding its removal via sweat and urine.
- Reducing visceral fat involves varied exercise, limiting sugar, and managing stress.
Doctor Amir Khan is advising a shift in focus for weight loss, moving away from aesthetic goals towards genuine health improvement. He warns that carrying excess fat around the midsection, specifically visceral fat, is more than a cosmetic concern.
This type of deep abdominal fat can surround vital organs, significantly increasing the risk of developing serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While subcutaneous fat is visible beneath the skin, visceral fat poses a more profound internal health threat.
Fortunately, visceral fat is metabolised more rapidly and can be shed more readily than fat stored just under the skin. Dr. Khan suggests several strategies for its reduction.
Key recommendations include engaging in a variety of exercises that elevate the heart rate and build muscle. Dietary changes such as limiting refined sugar intake and increasing protein and fiber consumption are also advised. Furthermore, achieving seven to eight hours of sleep nightly and actively lowering stress levels are crucial, as stress can elevate cortisol and contribute to increased visceral fat and appetite.
