It may be a bit cliche’, but America is fighting its own battle against fat. This may not be World War II, and an excess of fat is not a Panzer tank, but all that extra weight is just as deadly in the long run. Fat may seem like an external problem, something you see in the mirror that you don’t like, but the internal effects are where the real damage is done. The Mayo Clinic has a fascinating article about belly fat, emphasizing its effects on women, which reads in part:

You may think belly fat is limited to the stuff out front that you can grab with your hand — but it’s the fat you can’t see that’s really a cause for concern. Visceral fat lies deeper inside the abdomen, surrounding the abdominal organs. Gaining this type of fat has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health problems. Subcutaneous fat, located between the skin and the abdominal wall, is more visible but also less likely to be a health risk.

If your primary concern is to look good at the beach, just bear in mind that the problem is more than skin deep. The fringe benefits are all around. Being a normal weight for your height and frame helps you feel better physically, emotionally, and it is undoubtedly better for your health. The Mayo Clinic again reminds us that too much belly fat can increase our rates of:

So if belly fat is an issue as you age, you should most certainly combat it by consulting your physician, changing your diet habits, and finding an enjoyable and balanced exercise routine.

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Tags: Health, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Uncategorized //