The Dangers of Deep Belly Fat
Posted: September 28, 2015
Americans seem obsessed with the word “fat.” Too fat, no fat, low fat, excess fat — whether we are talking about our bodies, our diets, or our wallets, we like to use the word “fat” in the description.
For men, fat can show up in all sorts of places: a double chin, flabby arms, or a belly hanging over a pair of pants. We may focus on every little bulge or ripple that we see in the mirror, but your doctor will tell you the most dangerous fat is the one you can’t see, deep within your abdomen.
Visceral belly fat envelops and surrounds your internal organs, affecting their function and altering the substances that can get absorbed throughout the bloodstream. One major effect is the body’s ability to respond to the hormone insulin, which regulates our blood sugar. This resistance is a major contributor to overweight and obese individuals having a higher risk for diabetes.
In addition to diabetes, too much belly fat is a risk factor for heart disease and some types of cancers.
For men in their 40s and beyond, a factor that can affect fat storage and weight gain is testosterone. Once a man reaches age 30, his body naturally produces less testosterone. Over time a deficit builds, and men start to experience side effects such as fatigue, loss of lean muscle, inability to concentrate, poor sleep patterns, and a propensity to store excess fat.
The issue gets compounded as testosterone levels drop, fat storage grows, and energy levels further decline. Once the amount of fat reaches a certain point, the risks for other chronic diseases grows exponentially along with it.
If you have concerns about excess weight gain and think your testosterone level may be a factor, contact Low T Center to get your numbers checked.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.