3 Dangers of Belly Fat

What is it about belly fat? The issue is belly fat is different than the fat that we get on our hips or our butt. And there’s actually health dangers associated with belly fat. 

First, know where you stand as far as your risk factors with belly fat. That means you need to know your waist to hip ratio number. Measure your waist in the smallest part, that’s usually right around your belly button. Then measure your hips at the absolute widest part. Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. If the number is 0.85 or higher, then you’re at an increased risk for some of the health issues caused by belly fat. 

What is it about belly fat? 

First, there are two types of fat: 

Subcutaneous fat: The fat that’s just right under our skin. And that’s the fat that if you want to go to the plastic surgeon and get liposuctioned out, well, you can.

Visceral fat: The deeper fat that surrounds all our internal organs. And unfortunately this fat can’t be sucked out by liposuction! 

RISK #1

When we have increased belly fat, it increases our risk of insulin resistance. That will then increase the risk of pre-diabetes, which is the precursor for developing diabetes. 

RISK #2

Another risk factor is increased heart disease. And for women, this is something we really need to start to pay more attention to as we get a older. Our hormones start to change. And estrogen declines. We just don’t have that same heart protection that we once did from our hormones. A million women’s study in Britain showed that heart disease actually doubled in women that had larger waist. And for every two inches, your risk increased by 10%. 

RISK #3

The third health issue is cancer, especially colon cancer and and breast cancer. 

Peace and Love!