Discover Facts about Fat & Belly Fat
Not all fats are created equal and how to lose the belly fat.
The term ‘fat’ is used to describe any excess weight. While this is accurate to a degree there are different kinds of ‘fat.’ Throughout this book I’ll refer to different types of fat in your body. Let’s look at the terms often used to describe the fats in your body and gain a basic understanding of each.
1. Adipose tissues sometimes called fat cells.
Adipose tissue or fat, are loose connective tissues that store fat primarily for energy. The fat stored in these tissues is usually triglycerides. This tissue is found under the skin and around organs.
2. Belly fat.
Common in ‘apple shaped obesity’ this is visceral fat accumulated around the midsection that increases the waist line.
3. Fatty acids.
Not a type of fat, fatty acids can accumulate in the liver causing a fatty liver which leads to liver dysfunction. Over consumption of energy producing foods and lack of energy exertion can lead to this serious problem.
4. Subcutaneous fat.
This fat is adipose fat that is located directly under the skin.
5. Visceral fat.
A dangerous type of fat also called organ fat or intra-abdominal fat lies close to the internal organs of the body. This fat is harder to lose. This can also be referred to as belly fat. We all want to lose the belly fat. In this article you will discover how dangerous belly fat actually is.
Dangerous Belly Fat: What You Must Know
Belly fat and visceral fat are the most dangerous of the fats. Obesity and its associated increased risk for diseases and health problems are a result of visceral fat. Since visceral fat lies close to your vital internal organs it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream transporting fat throughout the body, compromising essential metabolic functions, eventually clogging the arteries, and leading to hypertension. This also leads to diabetes.
A recent study published in Circulation by lead scientist Dr. Frank Hu (a leading expert on obesity research) sought to establish whether there is any connection between belly fat and premature death. The data obtained gave a clear indication an excess of adipose tissues in the abdominal area was directly related to a string of health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Belly fat in women increases the risk of early death either due to heart disease or cancer. A waist measurement of more than 35 inches leads to a doubling of premature death caused by cancer or heart problems. In men, waist size over 40 inches is a serious cause of worry.
A Washington University School of Medicine study showed that belly fat is associated with hypertension, heart ailments, and diabetes. One of the reasons for this is that belly fat is responsible for increasing inflammation in the body. In short, abdominal belly fat secretes certain molecules that exaggerate your body’s inflammation response. Belly fat even promotes insulin resistance and explains severe diabetic symptoms.
Accumulation of belly fat increases the body’s visceral fat which is responsible for an increase in hyperglycemia (or high blood sugar), high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and, high blood pressure.
When all the three happen in unison (high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure) the condition is known as Metabolic Syndrome also sometimes referred to as Syndrome X. Numerous researches have revealed that belly fat is the principle factor behind this metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome increases a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other diseases and health problems.
The major threat of belly fat is due to its proximity to your liver and internal organs. The stage is set for Type 2 diabetes as fat increases within the liver and the body becomes insulin resistant.
Science and Research Supports Weight Training as a Method to Lose Weight and lose the belly fat
· Researchers led by Richard Kreider Ph.D. and Professor and Chair of the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at Baylor University presented findings from 11 research abstracts on 2 clinical studies in regards to strength training and increasing resting metabolism. In a replicated study by Kreider, participants increased their metabolic rate by 265 calories a day. In phase II of the study researchers followed 120 sedentary and overweight women. It was found that when these women followed a plan of cardio and strength training they showed a 21% improvement in strength and 7% improvement in aerobic capacity. They also lost an average of 2 inches from their hips and 3 inches from their waists. Their resting blood cholesterol and blood pressure also improved.
· In another study at The Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers followed a group of 15 post-menopausal women for a 16 week exercise program. During the study participants used resistance training exercises. Following the 16 week period, obese women experienced significant loss in body weight, fat mass, and percentage body fat. Additionally fat-free mass, and resting metabolism increased in both obese and non-obese women in the study.
Adding strength training to your exercise program is easy, economical, and effective in losing weight, belly fat, gaining strength, and of course toning your body.
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