In a study out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, researchers found that men with high amounts of belly fat are at higher-than-expected levels of bone loss and develop brittle bones.
Visceral Fat and Osteoporosis
Visceral fat is the belly fat that accumulates deep inside the body and is deposited in and around vital organs. It is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and many other serious health conditions. Now researchers can add osteoporosis to that list.
Researchers compared bone density and strength of men with high amounts of visceral body fat to men with similar BMI numbers but who had subcutaneous fat rather than visceral fat. They were surprised to discover that the men with visceral fat had bones that were at higher risk of breaking and were more brittle. In fact, they discovered that men with visceral fat were also at higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Previously, men were not thought to be at high risk for osteoporosis. However, this study reveals that men with visceral fat place themselves at risks similar to postmenopausal women for developing the condition.
Other Heath Risks
Visceral fat is also linked to numerous serious health conditions and potential early death. Since visceral fat surrounds and invades vital organs, it can compromise the function of heart, lungs, kidneys and the liver. It has been shown to be a substantial contributor to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
You can fight visceral belly fat through adopting a healthy diet and adding regular physical activities to your daily habits. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes brightly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grain low glucose density carbohydrates and low fat proteins can help you lose those added pounds around your tummy.
Physical exercise can include a wide range of activities, from gardening to housekeeping to bike riding. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise that raises your heart rate on a daily basis. Try parking a little farther out and walking vigorously to your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Getting outside and playing with your kids rather than sitting in front the television or computer is not only a great way to be active, but it sets a good example for your kids too
Do you struggle with belly fat? What kinds of things help you maintain healthy habits?
– The Alternative Daily
