Extra belly fat (visceral fat) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Here's how it causes health problems:
Increased Cytokines: Metabolically active visceral fat releases cytokines. High quantities of these chemicals cause persistent low-grade inflammation, which causes cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.
Excess belly fat is significantly linked to insulin resistance, which reduces cell response to insulin. Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance. Insulin-resistant cells raise blood sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes and accompanying problems.
Dyslipidemia: Visceral fat alters lipid metabolism, causing abnormal blood lipid levels including cholesterol and triglycerides. Cardiovascular disease is strongly linked to dyslipidemia.
Blood Pressure: Belly fat increases angiotensin II production, which raises blood pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Adipokine Imbalance: Fat cells release adipokines. With extra belly fat, adipokine production is generally imbalanced. Insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities might result from this imbalance.
Visceral fat is linked to liver fat buildup in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD increases insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes risk.
Health risks are also affected by genetics, lifestyle variables like diet and exercise, and body composition. However, lowering belly fat via diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can greatly lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.