7 Things About Belly Fat

One of the most troublesome parts of the fat that appears in the body is around the middle. "Gut," "bulge," "alternate," "control love," "potbelly" and "belly fat" are some of the common names that describe it.

Here are seven things to know about belly fat.

1. Fat belly fat is a type of fat in your body. Visceral or intra-abdominal fat is another name for it. Fat surrounds the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. While it accounts for about 15% of the total fat in your body, excessive amounts of fat are associated with serious illnesses.

2. Subcutaneous fat is another type of fat. This is the fat that we notice that is under our skin.

3. Visceral fat is an organ that produces substances. Visceral fat is more active than subcutaneous fat. It produces fatty acids, hormones, toxins and other inflammatory substances - which can cause serious health problems.

4. Medical researchers have linked patients' fats to diseases such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and cancer.

5. CT or MRI scans can significantly measure the amount of viscous fat. The image of the cross section clearly reveals a thick layer of deep fat surrounding the important internal organs of the abdomen.

6. Exercise alone will not produce deep fat. Exercises that only provide exercise to the abdominal muscles cannot burn fat in the stomach surrounding the internal organs.

7. Cardiovascular exercises will burn deep fat. Walk fast or jog for 30 to 45 minutes five days a week at a rate that increases your heart rate and causes sweat.

Copyright © 2008 by Wanda Lam

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