The fat that accumulates in the abdomen is a problem that can cause serious health problems over time. Therefore, we are facing something that goes beyond the typical beer belly joke and an aesthetic issue, and is that abdominal fat can lead to a greater possibility of suffering cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction in the case of men, asthma or osteoporosis, as well as migraines and migraine, the latter cases especially in people between 20 and 55 years.
In the same way, it is important to keep in mind that the accumulation of fat in the abdomen can also be a serious problem since it can also directly affect the internal organs. Therefore, in this case, it is important to emphasize that more important than the amount of fat stored in the body is its location, and in this sense the accumulated fat in the abdomen causes a greater risk of suffering serious chronic diseases.
So what better than knowing some of the factors that cause the accumulation of fat in the abdomen to fight them and thus reduce the likelihood of ending up suffering from it. Take note of these nine causes that facilitate the accumulation of fat in the abdomen of a person:
Incorrect diet or dieting.
Or what is the same, what has been known all our lives as eating wrong. Exceeding the calories established for our age, weight and physical condition through a diet based on an excess of carbohydrates and fats is an invitation to eventually accumulate abdominal fat. Not to mention if we abuse sweets, cookies or products such as potato chips, which do not provide nutrients to our body, but do increase, and how, caloric intake.
Once again, it is necessary to recommend enjoying a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, eggs, fish, chicken, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, as well as a reduction in saturated fats, salt, added sugars and cholesterol.
Not exercising
If we wanted to put it as a mathematical equation, we could say that a sedentary lifestyle equals a greater possibility of suffering from abdominal fat. Physical activity is an ideal tool to have the metabolism on and thus burn fat. It may seem obvious, but it is so and also, it is always good to remember that exercise helps us to maintain a healthier life, as in this case. So you know, no more staying at home every day sitting on the couch...
Hormones
Hormones are also a key factor in whether or not we suffer from this problem. Poor hormonal regulation, or the activity of some of the hormones involved in the metabolism of growth and fatty acids - especially luteinizing and leptin - cause a person to have a higher risk of fat accumulation in the abdomen.
Genetic condition
Another important factor to consider, as well as hormonal. Some researchers point out that body fat varies genetically in different areas of our body. Thus, if an important part of the members of a family accumulates fat in the abdomen, there is a greater risk that the rest of the components of the family will also suffer from this fact.
Alcohol
There are studies that reveal that high alcohol consumption can significantly increase the generation of abdominal fat, since alcohol adds extra liquid calories to solid food. Also, beware of excessive consumption of carbonated beverages, which, if abused, can cause both digestive malfunction and abdominal swelling.
Tension and stress
Can being under stress affect the appearance of abdominal fat? Yes, it can. Stress produces hormonal changes that can lead to weight gain. In fact, it stimulates the adrenal glands, which release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. When the latter increases in the blood, it facilitates the formation of fat in the body - a process known as lipogenesis - which ends up being deposited in the abdomen.
Sleep... or rather, lack of rest.
You know that experts stress the importance of getting enough sleep, which is not only good for proper rest ... and is that numerous studies show that people who do not get enough sleep tend to consume more calories and accumulate fat in the abdomen.
For every additional hour of sleep, from 7 hours, the risk of being overweight is reduced by 36 percent, according to the director of the Nutrition Unit of the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), Carolina Muro
.
Like stress, people who do not get enough sleep experience hormonal changes. Lack of sleep decreases the level of leptin and, on the other hand, increases the level of ghrelin, which is responsible for weight gain.
Age
The older we get, the greater the possibility of having more fat in the abdomen, according to some studies - it is necessary to say that there are also others who do not see it so clearly. As we get older, the production of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone -DHEA- decreases, a circumstance that could lead to the accumulation of abdominal fat, although we repeat that there are experts who do not see this relationship so clearly.
Sex
And finally, we must talk about the sexual condition, which tells us that men are more likely to suffer fat accumulation in the abdomen than women, who usually tend to have the fat more located in the area of the hips, thighs and buttocks.
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