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Abdominal FAT and “The Middle Age Spread”

By Jane Yogel

Middle age spread, and abdominal fat is a great threat to our health. As women approach and go through muddle age their fat to body weight proportion increases more than men. It is most prevalent at menopause especially as extra weight decides to live in its new home, our mid section. Even women who don’t’ gain weight may still experience a thicker mid-section or new inches in this area.

Unfortunately, as our waists get larger so do our health risks. There are two kinds of fat that affect this area of the body and it is important to understand the difference between the two. Abdominal or visceral fat, lives deep within the abdominal cavity lying between our abdominal organs. Subcutaneous fat, the less threatening fat, is the fat we grab and pull with our hands.

Visceral fat increases our risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Of additional concern is its association with breast cancer.

Fat Facts

For those of us who are pear shaped, this fat is referred to as subcutaneous. Fat in our middle section, known as apple shaped is referred to as Visceral Fat.

Current research has shown that abdominal fat are active producing hormones and substances that travel through our body systems and dramatically affect our health and well-being.

There has been research done through imaging that shows that waist size is a reflection of abdominal fat. Some researchers and scientists believe that waist size and not body mass index (BMI) is a better indicator of health risks and problems.

A bigger waist size can be a risk predictor for many common health concerns that millions of people develop and struggle with such as:

Good FAT Facts

Here’s the good news. Visceral fat is profoundly affected by exercise and diet and can not only lessen the severity of an illness but can directly determine whether we get ill at all!

The belly fat that we pinch and grab, subcutaneous fat, is not as much of a health threat especially in people with normal weight. What to do about the FAT

There has been so much research, which consistently supports that regular exercise, of moderate intensity, for 30 to 60 minutes daily, not only decreases the amount of visceral fat we currently store in our bodies, but also helps us to not gain additional visceral fat.

Strength Training using weights and loading our muscles for just 2 hours per week can reduce body fat by 4% and again can help us to be more successful at not gaining visceral fat.

Diet is also extremely important. Watch portion size, and read the labels of food you purchase to help make better choices. Replace saturated and trans fats with healthy substitutes. Make sure you are eating Lean protein, fruits and vegetables

Developing and sustaining good health requires effort. Elicit help from a Wellness Coach or Private Trainer who can help you develop wanted habits, set goals and will help you be accountable for your success. By implementing consistent routines, unwanted behaviors can be eliminated. Good routines turn into good habits that we do daily. These habits become part of who we are. They are the foundation to enhance the quality of our health, well-being and life.

About the Author:

Jane Yogel is a 20 year Master Personal Trainer and Licensed Wellness Coach in the Suburban Philadelphia Area. ASK Jane Now…… and have YOUR answer selected in her next newsletter topic. What are your three greatest concerns that affect your well being that you would like to change? Contact Jane and subscribe to her free newsletter. or www.diamondfitnessandwellness.com