New flash people - excess belly fat can be dangerous to health.
According to health experts, excess belly fat or 'pot belly' is a strong risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancers such as colorectal cancer.
Speaking on this, medical practitioner, Dr Matthew Ogwa said excess fat in the stomach area or ‘pot belly’ in local parlance, comes with a lot of health risks.
According
to him, those with very large waistlines are susceptible to many
problems especially ‘insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome.’
Said Ogwa,
"Those with
insulin resistance often develop type 2 diabetes. They also tend to
have high blood pressure and too much bad cholesterol, which is a recipe
for heart disease”
In addition, experts say excess belly fat could pose a danger to internal organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Ogwa warned that “this
type of fat, known as visceral fat is extremely dangerous as it gathers
round the internal organs like the heart and kidneys, causing health
problems,”
He added that people with big stomachs have higher
risks of dying from cardiovascular diseases and even stroke, than those
with slimmer waistlines.
Ogwa therefore warned against 'pot bellies' saying “if
you know your belly is too big and it’s affecting your overall health
and wellbeing, it’s advisable to slim it down to avoid these health
risks which can be dangerous,”
To beat this
potentially dangerous condition, nutritionists recommend a adopting a
holistic approach which includes combining a healthy diet with regular
exercise.
Citing fatty, sugary and calorie filled
foods and snacks coupled with lack of exercise and a slowing metabolism
(especially in older years), as possible culprits for excess belly fat,
nutritionist and lifestyle coach, Mercy Ok while speaking with The Nation newspaper recommended a diet plan that includes less fat and sugar and more protein for curbing pot bellies.
She
further advised that people with 'pot bellies' should regularly detox
by sipping lemon or lime juice in hot water daily and also drink enough
water to flush out toxins.
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