By now, we all know that being overweight is linked to a variety of health complications.  You may have even heard that belly fat is the “worst” kind of fat you can carry in your body… but why is that?  Is one type of weight worse than another?

Controlling weight around your midsection is important for more reasons than vanity! Sure, having a trim, flat stomach might look great… But losing excess belly fat can also save your life. These fat cells release adipose hormones and adipokines, which increase inflammation in the body. And of course, we know that inflammation is linked to a host of health problems, like heart disease, various type of cancer, diabetes, and strokes.

More belly fat is also linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, meaning even if you’re a teetotaler, you can develop liver disease.

But the main issue with belly fat is that’s it’s what we call “visceral” fat. Unlike fat elsewhere in your body – as with thighs or your back, for example – visceral fat is not located just under the skin. Instead, it grows inside your abdominal cavity, underneath the muscles… And all around your internal organs. Carrying excess fat in this location damages your vital organs, making them prone to disease, and increases your odds of disease and early death.

Unfortunately, losing belly fat is also challenging. That’s because a variety of factors were involved creating it in the first place. A lack of regular sleep can disrupt hormones, as can excess sugars in food which disrupt insulin levels. Stress can even take its toll.

Then, when you’re ready to lose the weight, simply doing some crunches will only tone the muscles. You will need to burn calories in order to reduce those fat cells underneath.

All of these factors are why we take a multi-faceted approach to weight loss. Come see us, and we can help you develop a nutrition and exercise plan that will bring real, lasting results. Then, we continue supporting you as you keep the weight off, preventing disease and hopefully extending your life!