How to Lose Belly Fat: Latest Secrets from the Research Labs, Part 2

Abdominal fat is now seen as a growing health hazard, an indicator and contributor to "X syndrome," or metabolic syndrome. The risk of metabolic syndrome goes far beyond the curve in your waist, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

If you are over 40, it's time to reduce your belly fat. Not only for your waist, but dramatically reduces the risk of your chronic illness.

How to Lower Belly Fat: Secret # 2 - DHEA

DHEA is a human hormone that is also found in a number of flavors. Although some research on DHEA and fat loss cannot be concluded, a new study published in the prestigious JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) in 2004 turned heads.

In the JAMA study, 28 men and 28 women, aged 65 to 78, took 50 mg. DHEA has not been prescribed for 6 months. DHEA treatment results in a "significant decrease" in both normal and normal stomach fat. In addition, insulin sensitivity also increased significantly.

The researchers concluded that "DHEA replacement may play a role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity." In particular, I would add, to parents or people with DHEA.

DHEA levels are known to decrease with age. The older you are, the higher the chance that DHEA will help you reduce belly fat. Your doctor may also perform a blood test for DHEA levels.

Theory of hormone replacement therapy, which links the gradual loss of certain hormones to aging and age-related illnesses, has strong medical evidence. In the narrowest sense, HRT is intended to replace estrogen in menopausal women. But the broader picture of HRT includes human growth hormones, melatonin, sex hormones, and DHEA.

If you are young, you may have the most or all of these hormones. There is no point in giving you more, because you are not "lacking".

The key to HRT, especially in relation to aging, is to restore your hormone levels to a more "youthful profile." The level is the same as what you had at the time, say, 25 years old. Before most of us worried about diabetes, heart disease, or bowel.

Just as low levels of these hormones can be a problem, too much DHEA can also cause problems. Ask your doctor about blood tests before you add.

------------------