Belly fat, scientifically known as visceral fat, has been linked to increased inflammation and problems like Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that having excess belly fat is correlaed with an elevated risk of heart disease. What’s more, is may be especially dangerous for women.
Here’s what you need to know about the importance of the waist-to-hip ratio.
The greater the waist-to-hip ratio (calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference), the higher the heart attack risk in women. In women, each 0.09 increase in the calculation was associated, with a 50% increase in heart attack risk; the risk rose 36% in men with the same increase in waist-to-hip ratio. For men, a waist circumference over 40 inches poses the greatest risk, compared to 35 inches in women.
Why Belly Fat is the Most Dangerous
Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease but even those who maintain a BMI in the normal range are at risk if they have excess visceral fat. Fat in the abdominal cavity is associated with increased risk of high blood sugar, inflammation, elevated triglycerides and lower levels of HDL “good” cholesterol, making it more dangerous than far stored elsewhere in the body. Thus, in two people with the same BMI, the person who has more of an apple shape and stores fat in their abdomen is at a higher risk of heart disease than the one who stores their fat elsewhere.
Losing weight can help reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease and improve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Healthy eating and exercise should be combined to banish belly fat and improve overall health. Luckily, visceral fat is the easiest to lose and a simple walking routine can help blast that belly fat.
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