When you think about fat, is it more about how you look, or are you also concerned about your long-term health? While many focus on appearance, there’s another reason to care about fat—particularly belly fat—that has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with your well-being.
Don’t get me wrong—wanting to look good is a great motivator. But what if the mirror isn’t what drives you to make healthy choices? If you’re happy with how you look, that’s fantastic. But here’s the thing: even if appearance isn’t your top concern, the fat around your midsection could be impacting your health in ways you haven’t considered.
Let’s talk about Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)—commonly known as belly fat. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about where your body stores fat and how it affects your health. Personally, I’ve always envied those who store fat evenly across their bodies. When I gain weight, it’s all in my belly. And if you’re like me, there are important health risks you should know about.
Carrying excess belly fat is linked to a higher risk of:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases
- Infertility
These are the big ones, but the list doesn’t stop there. People with a higher waist-to-hip ratio (meaning your belly measurement is larger than your hips) often experience more inflammation and are more likely to struggle with blood sugar regulation. Even if you don’t have diabetes, having trouble processing sugar, carbs, or managing stress can put you at a higher risk for the diseases mentioned above.
So, what’s the takeaway?
If you or someone you love carries extra fat around the midsection, it’s time to take action. The goal isn’t perfection—you don’t need six-pack abs to improve your health. It’s about getting your waist-to-hip ratio closer to 1:1 and reducing your risk of serious illness.
Here’s how to get started:
- Know your numbers- Know your current and trending Glucose levels, insulin levels, HgA1C (average blood sugar) and bodyfat % – I can run all of these tests for you.
- Manage stress – Stress directly impacts fat storage, especially around the belly.
- Reduce carbohydrate intake – A lower-carb diet can help regulate blood sugar and promote fat loss.
- Exercise regularly – While exercise is crucial, it’s your diet that will drive the biggest changes.
- Consider intermittent fasting – This can be an effective tool for reducing fat and improving metabolic health.
Remember, it’s not about vanity—it’s about living a longer, healthier life.
If you’re ready to make a change or need support on your health journey, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to lower your risk of disease and, as a bonus, shed some belly fat along the way.
Yours in health,
