The dangers of belly fat

A desire to lose weight and look good compels many people to adopt healthy habits every day. But shedding fat is about more than looking good, especially when it is accumulated in people’s abdomen.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that in addition to a layer of padding below the skin known as subcutaneous fat, belly fat also includes visceral fat that extends deep inside the abdomen and surrounds internal organs. Visceral fat is also very close to the liver, which can turn it into cholesterol. From there, the fat goes through the bloodstream and may collect along the walls of the arteries, contributing to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. The complications can lead to aneurysms and chronic kidney disease.

People with substantial belly fat should work with their physicians to develop a healthy regimen to decrease that fat. A combination of diet and exercise is generally recommended, but how much exercise and which foods to eat will depend on individual’s current conditions and medical history.

Embracing strategies to reduce belly fat through healthy means can help people slim down and improve their long-term health outlook.

—MetroCreativeConnection