Why do you want a flat, sexy stomach? Why go through all the work
and expense of trying to lose belly fat? Naturally, you want to look
good. And belting your pants below your gut or sporting a love handle
muffin-top definitely doesn't look good. Then there are the health risks
you hear about over and over again. But did you know...
Increased Belly Fat = Higher Dementia Risk
According to a study done last year in the journal Neurology, those who have more fat around their midsection in their 40s may have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (or other forms of dementia) in their 70s. Even if you have a healthy body mass index, if your weight is centered around your middle, it's a good indication that you're at a higher risk for dementia. In fact, depending on how overweight you are and how much extra belly fat you have, your risk for dementia could be up to 360% higher than for those with normal belly fat!
The reason belly fat is one of your body's worst enemies may simply be that it's so close to your internal organs. These fat cells leak noxious chemicals, causing inflammation, tightening blood vessels and causing other reactions to kick in that may damage brain cells. So basically, belly fat is toxic fat.
Do You Measure Up?
How do you know if you need to really work on that belly fat? Well, if you suffer from the aforementioned love handles or muffin-top, you know your belly needs work. But to see if you "officially" need to slim around the middle, get out your trusty tape measure. Measure around your belly, over your naval. No sucking in your gut - that's cheating! For woman, a belly measurement of more than 35 inches is unhealthy. Even 33 or 34 inches may up your risk. Men have a higher risk of dementia if their belly circumference is more than 40 inches.
Lower Your Risk
It's pretty simple - eat right, exercise and sleep well and you'll be on your way to decreasing body AND belly fat. That'll lower your risk for a huge list of ailments, plus it'll stop your doctor and/or family members from nagging you about your health!
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Aldrich
Increased Belly Fat = Higher Dementia Risk
According to a study done last year in the journal Neurology, those who have more fat around their midsection in their 40s may have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (or other forms of dementia) in their 70s. Even if you have a healthy body mass index, if your weight is centered around your middle, it's a good indication that you're at a higher risk for dementia. In fact, depending on how overweight you are and how much extra belly fat you have, your risk for dementia could be up to 360% higher than for those with normal belly fat!
The reason belly fat is one of your body's worst enemies may simply be that it's so close to your internal organs. These fat cells leak noxious chemicals, causing inflammation, tightening blood vessels and causing other reactions to kick in that may damage brain cells. So basically, belly fat is toxic fat.
Do You Measure Up?
How do you know if you need to really work on that belly fat? Well, if you suffer from the aforementioned love handles or muffin-top, you know your belly needs work. But to see if you "officially" need to slim around the middle, get out your trusty tape measure. Measure around your belly, over your naval. No sucking in your gut - that's cheating! For woman, a belly measurement of more than 35 inches is unhealthy. Even 33 or 34 inches may up your risk. Men have a higher risk of dementia if their belly circumference is more than 40 inches.
Lower Your Risk
It's pretty simple - eat right, exercise and sleep well and you'll be on your way to decreasing body AND belly fat. That'll lower your risk for a huge list of ailments, plus it'll stop your doctor and/or family members from nagging you about your health!