Why belly fat could be dangerous to your health – Expert explains

Belly fat could significantly pose serious risks, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, Medical Director of Solace Hospital, Dr Ebow Daniels, has warned. According to him, abdominal fat, particularly the fat stored deep within the abdomen around vital organs, poses a major cardiometabolic risk even among people who appear slim. Speaking recently on the Healthy Living Project on Channel One TV, Dr Daniels explained that there is a difference between the fat that can be pinched under the skin and the deeper fat found around organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. “The fat that you can pinch is actually called subcutaneous fat. That is just the fat under the skin, but belly fat, you can't pinch it. It's inside the abdomen, and it normally surrounds organs in the abdomen,” he said. He noted that a person could therefore have a relatively low body mass index (BMI) and still have dangerous levels of abdominal fat. Dr Daniels said the distribution of fat on the body was important, stressing that fat accumulated around the waist was particularly concerning. “Anytime fat goes above your waistline, that is dangerous,” he said. He also dismissed the common perception that a large belly is a sign of good living or wealth. “No, it's not a representation of your bank account. It just tells you that your metabolism is going all right and you need to take good care of it,” he said. Dr Daniels explained that belly fat could increase insulin resistance, affecting the body’s ability to properly utilise glucose. He said insulin acts as a messenger that helps cells use glucose for energy, but abdominal fat can interfere with that process. “So whenever you see fats accumulated in a part of the belly, especially inside the abdomen, it serves as a risk for all these conditions you mentioned. And it's all because whenever you have fat in the belly, number one, it impairs insulin sensitivity,” he explained. According to him, increased insulin resistance can lead to problems with glucose metabolism and, if not managed, eventually contribute to diabetes. Dr Daniels further linked abdominal fat to hypertension through inflammation in the body. “When there's inflammation, the vessels become stiff. So when the vessels are stiff, it makes what we call the peripheral resistance... to increase. And anytime the peripheral resistance goes higher, then what happens is that it also goes high with the blood pressure,” he said. He warned that prolonged inflammation could also affect blood vessels supplying vital organs, potentially contributing to plaque formation and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Early detection key to reducing prostate cancer deaths – Urologist‎ He added that belly fat could also contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels, another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The doctor stressed that belly fat was not caused by food alone, saying stress and inadequate sleep could also contribute to its development. He explained that cortisol, a stress hormone, rises when people experience prolonged stress or fail to get adequate rest. “Belly fat is not just gotten from food. It can also be gotten from stress,” he said. According to Dr Daniels, poor sleep and work-related stress can cause cortisol levels to rise, contributing to changes in metabolism and fat accumulation. However, he noted that modern life had exposed people to persistent sources of stress, including work pressures and stressful commuting. “Stress, poor sleep can also lead to hypertension because of the adrenaline axis,” he added. Dr Daniels also cautioned against excessive consumption of beer, sugary drinks and late-night meals, which he said could contribute to excess calorie intake and fat accumulation. JKB/BAI Banks see poultry investment as risky, prefer bonds and Treasury bills – Ohenewaa Sakyi-Bekoe Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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