Not all fat is created equal.
That’s because the location of your body fat may determine how much of a role it plays in boosting your risk for health problems.
Subcutaneous fat, or the fat on your arms, legs and hips, is fairly benign. But visceral fat, or the kind that extends in your abdomen and surrounds your organs, can pose problems.
Why? Because belly fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, diabetes and a host of other conditions, according to The Mayo Clinic. And sorry guys, belly fat tends to be a bigger problem for you than women.
Researchers are investigating why belly fat causes such a problem. But it may have something to do with the secretion of inflammatory molecules that are linked to disease, according to one USA Today article.
So how do you tell if belly fat is getting the best of you? Measure your waist, The Mayo Clinic suggests. In men, a waist size that is 40 inches or more will increase the likelihood of disease.
The most effective way to zap fat around your waistline is to get more exercise. Studies indicate that regular exercise — even just brisk walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day — can make a significant dent in the circumference of your waist. Hope that information helps. If you need some guidance, feel free to give us a call.