The Dangers Of Too Much Belly Fat
•Weight loss
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Excess fat around the belly is the most dangerous type of fat – known as visceral fat. While we do need a little belly fat to protect our vital organs, too much can have the opposite effect and strangle them!
It’s been established that excess belly fat is linked with diabetes, high blood pressure and other metabolic issues, but research shows it may cause decreased lung function.
Respiratory & Metabolic Disturbances
Excess belly fat can physically restrict the diaphragm! The diaphragm needs to be able to move downward to allow the lungs to expand fully so we can inhale properly. Excess fat around the abdomen can limit this movement, reducing overall lung capacity.
Too much visceral fat – the fat found deep inside your belly – is also linked with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome which can impact respiratory health.
How Do I Know If I Have Too Much Visceral Fat?
The best way to measure if you have a dangerous amount of visceral fat is to measure your waist. Your waist circumference is a good indicator of how much fat is deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your organs. Your BMI alone isn’t as accurate!
How To Reduce Visceral Fat
The most effective way to lose visceral fat is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. We don’t get to pick and choose where the fat comes off (or which type of fat goes) when we lose weight, but maintaining a healthy weight will reduce overall body fat.
Eat Soluble Fibre: Make sure your diet is loaded with fruits, vegetables, oats and legumes. If you’re struggling to get your five servings of veggies in a day, be sure to try our Chocolate Super Greens to get your daily dose of veggies in the tastiest way!
Eat Foods High In Protein: Include foods like meat, eggs, dairy, fish and The Lady Shake!
Regular Exercise: Aim to include exercise into your daily routine. If you find it hard to fit in physical activity into your schedule, try deskercise or check out these workout videos on Netflix.
Manage Stress Levels: Too much stress interferes with weight loss! Manage stress through meditation, self-care and quality sleep.
The Bottom Line
Everyone has visceral fat, and we need it! It protects our organs, but too much of it puts us at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will lower your risks of breathing issues associated with too much belly fat, and if you need help on your weight loss journey, read more about how to get started with The Lady Shake!
