Not all fat is created equal!

There are 2 types of fat, subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous is
located just below the skin, it’s the fat you can pinch between your
fingertips and is found all over your body. It is considered less harmful
compared to visceral fat. Visceral fat accumulates deep within the
abdominal cavity around the organs like the liver, stomach and
intestines, it is often referred to as belly fat.

Why is Belly Fat Dangerous?

This type of fat is dangerous because it is biologically active. It is linked
to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances and
can pose significant health risks, including heart disease, type 2
diabetes and certain cancers.
Even if your overall weight seems normal, a larger waistline might mean
you have more visceral fat, and that’s why measuring your waist can be
an important part of understanding your health.

How to reduce Belly Fat

1. Balanced Diet: Include foods high in protein and fibre to promote
satiety and support muscle maintenance. Reduce refined sugars
and food high in unhealthy fats. Watch portion size.
2. Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise
most days of the week. Include some strength training to help build
muscle. Try to reduce periods of sitting by standing up and moving
throughout the day.
3. Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep
can create an imbalance in our hunger hormones, ghrelin and
leptin, leaving us craving sugary foods and processed foods.
4. Manage stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol which can
lead to increased fat storage around the midsection. Activities such
as yoga, tai chi, deep breathing and meditation can help lower
stress levels.

The takeaway:

Reducing belly fat, especially the deeper visceral fat, is important
not only for your appearance but also for your long-term health. By
focussing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep and
stress management, it is possible to reduce the levels of harmful
visceral fat. Small changes made consistently over time can lead
to lasting results.