Why Belly Fat Is Truly Weighing You Down
Posted: December 19, 2014
Have you run out of notches on your belt? That ever-expanding waistline means you’ve got more than friendly padding. You’ve developed excess belly fat, and that can have serious health repercussions.
Doctors have even come up with a cute name for that round belly: the apple. But don’t be fooled by that name. Belly fat (otherwise known as visceral fat) is an issue that you should take seriously.
“A big waistline puts you at increased risk for many health problems — diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke,” says Robert Eckel, M.D., president of the American Heart Association. Even if your belt still has a few notches left unexplored, you still may be carrying unhealthy “hidden” belly fat.
Further research by Dr. Eckel has indicated that the hidden fat may be folded deep inside the belly around the stomach organs in so-called skinny people, visible only by a CT or MRI scan. Even if your belly doesn’t protrude over your toes, this unseen fat can put you at the same health risk as someone with more obvious girth issues.
What causes this accumulation of excess pounds around the midsection? It could be any number, or a combination of, several things: poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise, illness, or responses to certain medications. For males over age 30, there is another potential culprit that should be considered: low testosterone.
Testosterone is the primary male hormone in the body, responsible for the smooth functioning of many body systems, including building muscle mass and eliminating excess body fat. When the natural production of testosterone diminishes past a certain level, building and maintaining muscle becomes next to impossible — and the unwanted expansion of the waistline begins.
Fortunately for those men concerned with carrying a spare tire, help can be found at Low T Center. We are experienced at diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from low testosterone. By administering a simple blood test, we can determine if you are a candidate for treatment, and professionally discuss the next steps and proper courses of action based on your needs. Blood test results are obtained quickly — on your first visit — so you will know right away if low T has been keeping you down this whole time.
Related Posts
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.