Why you’re gaining belly fat
A large stomach or paunch is undesirable because it takes away from your sleek physique. But it is not just an indication of fat underneath the layer of skin (subcutaneous fat), but a substantial amount of what is called visceral fat — the kind of fat found deep within your abdomen and which surrounds your internal organs.
According to internist Dr Jomo James, it is this excess belly (visceral) fat damage that poses serious health risks and complications.
He said this excess visceral fat almost acts as an endocrine (hormone) gland by itself, secreting and causing an imbalance/dysfunction in other naturally occurring hormones within the body.
Dr James said this leads to:
1) Increased risk of high blood pressure
2) High cholesterol
3) Stroke
4) Heart disease
5) Diabetes
He explained that the visceral paunch leads to an apple shape as it is mostly in the belly, whereas fat distributed mainly in the hips will give a sort of pear shape appearance.
“Generally speaking, while no excess fat is good, it is the apple shape appearance that should be most feared as it is more likely to lead to the aforementioned complications. In fact, doctors now use this as a screening tool to help assess an individual’s risk for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease — stroke and heart attack. They measure what is called the waist circumference and may or may not compare it to the hip circumference. A high waist to hip ratio is in keeping with an “apple” shape and more risk of health complications, while a lower ratio “pear” confers a lower risk. A waist circumference above 35 inches (88cm) in women is an indication of excess belly fat. For men it is higher at 40 inches (102cm),” he explained.
Dr James said this form of fat is usually difficult to lose, and while you should not give up your efforts in trying to get rid of it, he said there are some reasons you may be gaining this type of fat.
“The main contributing factor is that you’re expending fewer calories than what you’re putting in, so the excess is stored as fat,” he said.
Other significant factors at play include:
1. Genes
Dr James said your genes have a lot to do with where you store fat, and if there is a trend in your family you may have to work extra hard at sticking to your diet and exercise regimen in order to stop your belly from growing.
2. Your hormones are out of whack
Around menopause a drop in oestrogen occurs, and this along with a slowed metabolism may cause the belly to protrude. He said a good exercise programme should make a difference.
3. You have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Dr James said PCOS is a condition in about 20 per cent of women during their reproductive years, which results in higher than usual testosterone levels and unfortunately, weight gain, especially in the mid-region. He said a consultation with a gynaecologist can help to rectify this health condition.
4. Stress
He said stress releases a hormone called cortisol which can result in comfort cravings such as fatty and sugary foods. Dr James said cortisol also has the ability to affect your body chemistry causing you to burn fewer calories.
5. Age
The older you are, the slower your metabolic rate is, and so you are not able to burn as many calories as before, so you gain weight even with the same diet.
