Health Tips

Myth or Fact: Excess belly fat can increase your risk of Death. This is a fact.

Belly fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Researches have found that people with large waist lines had about twice the risk of dying prematurely than those with smaller ones. The Nov. 12 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine provides strong evidence that death risks increased with waist circumference, whether the participants were overweight or not. Other recent research also suggest a link between belly fat and a range of other diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and even age-related dementias.

How to determine if you have a healthy belly

Measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your waist at the smallest point, which is usually just above the navel. A waist size of 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women is generally considered to indicate increased health risk. Waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by measuring your waist at the smallest point and your hips at the widest point—usually at the widest part of the buttocks—and dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement. A waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.9 for men and 0.8 for women is generally considered high risk.

Visceral fat or belly fat creates a solid lump where your internal organs are located, therefore, is extremely unhealthy. It puts stress on your organs depriving them of the freedom to move. There are a lot of gimmicks and infomercials about how to get rid of unflattering belly fat. However, there is no magic bullet that will target abdominal fat.

How to lose belly fat for men

Belly fat can be very stubborn to lose and requires a lot of work to reduce it. The best way for men to lose belly is through a combination of cardio exercise, weight training and a lean diet.

How to lose belly fat for women

Women should use the same approach as men. Reduce sugar intake, which includes sugar in processed food, junk food, cakes and cookies. Then eat more lean proteins, less starchy foods and exercise regularly.