We know that excess weight increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. But even thinner people, if they have excess weight concentrated around the waist, are also at great or greater risk.
Belly fat is associated with an overreaction of the body's stress response mechanisms, leading to increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This fat is closer to viscera such as the liver and pancreas and the heart, which are not suitable for fat storage, and in which fatty acids are released that disturb their metabolic activity, resulting in an increase in insulin resistance of the affected tissues.
Specifically, in fatty liver, the response of insulin is hindered by the fat and resistance to its action develops, so the blood sugar is not removed from the circulation and accumulates in a large concentration, causing damage to the organs.
Waist circumference goals
For males, the waist should be below 102 cm and for females below 88 cm.
Simple habits
- Limit your dietary fat, especially saturated fat.
- Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI below 25).
- Watch out for alcohol and limit it to one glass a day.