Accumulation of fat around the waist is commonly referred to as “Belly fat”. It is common among men, women and children. It is also known as visceral fat or intra-abdominal fat. A lot people face this problem. Low self-esteem, not being able to wear clothes of personal liking, being made fun of and fear of being shunned by others are few of the problems faced by people having belly fat.
There is a common misconception that women are at a greater risk of developing belly fat. There is no proper explanation given to support this claim. Anybody can develop belly fat. In women, menopause causes a shift in the body fat distribution. This may lead to belly fat accumulation.
Causes
What causes belly fat? Is it due to food, beer, lack of exercise or is it hereditary? These are the common questions that people tend to ask. Many factors are responsible for belly fat like:
- Overeating
- Binge-drinking
- Diabetes
- Other health conditions
- Lack of exercise
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Heredity
- Menopause
- Genetics
- Stress
- Slow metabolism
Health Risks
Visceral fat surrounds abdominal organs and lies deeper in the abdomen. Gaining visceral fat can lead to other health risks like:
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- High Blood pressure
- Gallbladder problem
- Metabolic problem
- Hormonal imbalance
Reducing Belly Fat
Reducing belly fat is not possible overnight. Patience, dedication and self-control is the key to lose belly fat. Belly fat can be reduced by a combination of exercise and proper diet. The following methods help in reducing belly fat.
- Regular exercise — Regular exercise is the best way to lose belly fat. Aiming to reduce the overall body weight provides positive results. The kind of exercise and intensity depends on the goals you set and also on your fitness levels. Take the advise of your doctor to follow a suitable exercise regime that would help you to effectively lose belly fat.
- Weight Training — Lifting weights under the supervision of a certified trainer produces positive results. Weight training combined with cardio exercises helps in toning up the overall body.
- Healthy Diet — Following a healthy and balanced diet helps you cut down calories. Avoiding alcohol and other drinks can speeden up your weight loss. Fewer calories means faster weight loss.
- Hormonal treatment — Hormonal treatments helps post-menopausal women lose belly fat or prevents accumulation of belly fat. This treatment also carries certain risks. It is always better to consult a doctor before taking a decision.
- Surgery — In extreme cases where all forms of treatment has failed, surgery is the last option. However, there are greater chances of gaining the visceral fat again. Exercise and diet would help in keeping belly fat under control.
