As we roll into a New Year, let’s be aware of the rolls around our waists! A recent study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine reported research conclusions that men of normal weight with excess stomach fat were more than twice as likely to die compared to obese men with even fat distribution. Similarly, women of a normal weight with excess belly fat had a 32 percent greater risk of death than women with obesity. Authors of the study believe that fat stored in the abdomen may be the reason for significantly higher mortality rates.
Belly fat:
- Produces hormones/substances that contribute to clogging.
- Clogged arteries increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Is often deposited into the liver.
- A fatty liver increases the risk of diabetes & heart disease.
- Increases insulin resistance & inflammation.
- Inflammation is linked to weight gain & increased risk of cancer.
Reducing belly fat is one of the best things you can do for your health. Here are some tips backed by research that can help:
- Start moving. (Harvard Medical School) Both aerobic and strength training burn fat & increase resting metabolism.
- Switch to whole grains. (American Journal of Nutrition)
- Eating whole grains instead of refined (white) grains lower the amount of belly fat.
- Avoid white bread, white pasta & white rice.
- Limit sugar. (Multiple Studies)
- Sugars like fructose may cause belly fat.
- Avoid sodas, energy drinks & fruit juice blends.
- Eat more protein. (Journal of Nutrition)
- Increasing protein to about 30% of your total calories might help drop belly fat.
Visit Vayda Medical Weight Loss and determine if your health is at risk. I’ll measure your body composition and tell you where most of your body fat is stored. From there, we can create a customized strategy for shedding excess fat. Call us at 330.847.6220 today!
Information provided by Center for Medical Weight Loss.
