Thursday, October 22, 2009

Beware of Belly Fat

Obesity is one of the most common health problems across the world. Belly fat or abdominal fat is the most common type of obesity. It results from various reasons such as menopause, genetics, stress, over-eating, lack of exercise, life style etc. Belly fat, which is otherwise known as visceral fat or spare tier, or potbelly, is common in both men and women. It spoils one’s appearance besides leading to many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure. Various genetic, physical and mental factors are responsible for belly fat.
Stress :
Is one of the factors. Many researchers provide that when we are under stress, Cortisol, a hormone is released. It stimulates the fat storage around the belly. Moreover, when we are in stress, we tend to eat more which can lead to excess weight gain.
Slow Metabolism :
When our metabolic rate is slow, there is less and less burning of calories, and excess accumulation of fats. The metabolic rate can be increased with a nutritious and balanced diet and regular exercise.
Improper Digestion:
Now-a-days we hear people complaining of indigestion. Our life style is one of the causes for this. Sometimes we over eat our favourite food. It can lead to a number of gastro-intestinal problems such as gases and bloating. We also eat late at night, and most of often we end up with fatty, spicy and high calorie food. We go to bed immediately after meals. This habit also, especially after a sumptuous meal late at night, increases the risk of fat storage around the abdominal area. If you allow such a life style, and keep eating without any physical activity, you’re surely heading to obesity and belly fat. So it is essential to burn calories through exercises to maintain a healthy body weight.
Alcoholism :
Is another risky habit, as it decreases the rate of metabolism. Calories obtained from excess alcoholism are often stored around the abdominal area.
Menopause:
Is one of the main reasons for belly fat in women. After menopause many women tend to accumulate fat around the tummy due to hormonal changes. To reduce belly fat we should opt for special dietary regimen. Our diet should consist of properly balanced fiber, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. We should opt for strength training exercises and aerobic exercises like running, jogging and brisk walking. Aerobic exercises contribute a lot towards fat burning.
So in order to prevent belly fat we should follow a healthy life style, good diet balanced With regular exercises, and must be able to manage your stress by doing Meditation, Yoga and through Relaxation Therapies.


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