Dr Hilary Jones outlines the benefits of losing weight
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Visceral fat can present serious health risks and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, improving your diet can deal a decisive blow to belly fat, as can incorporating a certain drink in your diet.
The Health Direct site says: “Visceral body fat, also known as ‘hidden’ fat, is fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapped around the organs, including the liver and intestines. It makes up about one tenth of all the fat stored in the body.
“Most fat is stored underneath the skin and is known as subcutaneous fat. That is the fat that is visible and that you can feel. The rest of the fat in the body is hidden. That is visceral fat.”
It states that even though you cannot change your genetics, hormones or your age, you can reduce your risk of disease by eating a healthy diet, not smoking, reducing sugary drinks and getting enough sleep.
NDTV states: “Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme is found in the juice of pineapple and helps in metabolising protein, which in turn helps burn away the excess belly fat.”
It adds: “In addition to being a great source of vitamin C and manganese, the flesh of pineapple is also a decent source of fibre.”
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says that coronary heart disease is the UK’s single “biggest killer”.
It notes: “ Being overweight or obese increases your risk of coronary heart disease.
“Research shows that reaching and keeping to a healthy weight can cut your risk because it helps prevent and manage conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes that put you at greater risk of coronary heart disease.”
It advises that if you are planning on losing weight, “steadily and gradually is the safest way”.
The NHS states: “If you’re overweight, changes to your diet and physical activity levels are the first step to helping you lose weight.
“Your GP or practice nurse can help you assess your current diet and levels of physical activity, and set personal goals for change.”
The other key component to visceral fat reduction is to engage in regular physical activity.
Studies have shown that you can help trim visceral fat or prevent its growth with both aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) and strength training (exercising with weights).
According to Harvard Health, spot exercises, such as sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles but won’t get at visceral fat.
“Exercise can also help keep fat from coming back,” adds the health body.
The NHS states: “The best way to lose weight if you’re obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. See a GP for help and advice.”
It adds: “Measuring your waist is a good way to check you’re not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
“You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat, meaning you’re still at risk of developing these conditions.”
Nuffield Health notes that body mass index (BMI), while still useful, has come under increasing scrutiny for not being a full representation of body composition or health.
Indeed, the NHS notes: “Your BMI can tell you if you’re carrying too much weight, but it cannot tell if you’re carrying too much fat.”
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