Enhance Magazine | Página 18

did you know

by Rachel Mayan & Rahul Gupta

The belly area is one that is focused on a lot when it comes to fitness goals ; the phrase “ six pack abs ” is one we all know well , whether it ’ s been at the forefront of our own aspirations or promised as the outcome of various workout regimens . Whatever our motivation , to look better , to feel better about ourselves , losing belly fat is actually important for our health – but it ’ s perhaps not the belly fat you might think .

SUBCUTANEOUS FAT

ABDOMINAL MUSCLE

VISCERAL FAT

In our abdominal region , there are two types of belly fat : subcutaneous fat and visceral fat . Subcutaneous fat is the fat you can feel just beneath the skin , the “ inch you can pinch ,” that is also the same fat you may feel on your arms , legs , or buttocks . Having a moderate amount of this “ surface fat ” is vital for maintaining your body ’ s health : it aids in bodily temperature regulation , vitamin dispersion , joint and organ protection , and more . Too much subcutaneous fat has , of course , adverse health effects , but one advantage we have in recognizing this excess is that we can see subcutaneous fat . Visceral fat , on the other hand , does not always offer the same visual cue .

Visceral fat lies beneath subcutaneous fat in our abdominal

region in between and surrounding important organs , like our kidneys , intestines , and liver . As far as fruit comparisons go , the general rule is that if we are “ pear shaped ” with more fat in the lower body , it is largely subcutaneous , and if we are “ apple shaped ” with fat in the abdominal region , it is largely visceral .

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ?

According to Family Physician Dr . Alvina Nam , the healthy range for body percentage of visceral fat is 9 % and under ; between 10 % and 15 % is considered moderately high , and over 15 % is considered high and dangerous . Even those without a noticeable belly , however , can still have a high amount of hidden visceral fat . This type of fat is of particular concern because it acts as a catalyst for a multitude of health problems .

We can consider all fat cells as active as they produce hormones and substances that affect our bodily function . Harvard Health Publications supports that excess visceral fat in particular

disrupts the normal function and balance of our hormones and metabolic function by producing substances including immune system chemicals that , because of their location near vital organs , can have dire effects .

HEALTH RISKS

Visceral fat secretes proteins that have been found to increase insulin resistance , which over time can lead to type 2 diabetes . Its proximity to the liver also increases the production of the “ bad ” cholesterol LDL , which could lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and a multitude of heart-related issues including cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease . Breast cancer is of higher risk to women with high levels of visceral fat , and research suggests there is also a link between abdominal fat and colorectal cancer .

Several factors can lead to an excess amount of visceral fat . Heredity and hormones play a role , as does having a diet high in saturated fats , like fried foods , baked goods , and animal products . Visceral fat can also

Photo by Tony Alter ; https :// creativecommons . org / licenses / by / 2.0 / legalcode

18 HACHEALTHCLUB . COM