Dangers of Belly Fat

Unfortunately, all of this information and research is having very little effect on the current obesity epidemic. Belly fat is a growing health concern for people of all ages, including children.

The significance of childhood obesity is that the number of fat cells or adipocytes a person has cannot be reduced. This number is determined during childhood and sets the child up for a lifelong battle of facing the dangers of belly fat.

The dangers of belly fat include the following:

• Decreased Life Expectancy. This was reported in the January 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The conclusion of this study was: “Obesity appears to lessen life expectancy markedly, especially among younger adults.”

  Although life expectancy in the United States is at an all-time high, it is now estimated that in the next fifty years it will decline due to obesity. This will be the first time in history that a generation will live fewer years than its preceding generation. And, this epidemic is not limited to the United States. Nations around the world are facing the same dangers of belly fat.

  It is a sad commentary on our culture that people will continue their reckless eating habits at the peril of their children’s future. The following quote should serve as a wake-up call for every parent:

  ”Childhood obesity is like a massive tsunami headed toward the United States." - David Ludwig, Pediatric Endocrinologist, director of the obesity program at Children's Hospital in Boston.

• Increased Hypertension. In 1998 the American Heart Association held a conference on obesity: “Obesity: Impact on Cardiovascular Disease.” Here it was reported that over 75% of hypertension can be directly linked to obesity.

  This conclusion was affirmed in 2004 by The American Physiological Society in their report with the title, “Obesity and Hypertension: One Epidemic or Two?”

  Almost 1/3 of Americans have hypertension. Treating high blood pressure is a multi-billion dollar industry. It contributes to many other serious illnesses. The dangers of belly fat can be seen very clearly in hypertensive disease.

• Increased Diabetes. “The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes: Are We Doing Enough?” was a report issued in 2003 by The International Diabetes Institute of Australia. Here is a quote from this article:

  “Increasing levels of obesity, arising from energy-rich diets and sedentary lifestyles, are driving a global pandemic of type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes worldwide is set to increase from its present level of 150 million, to 225 million by the end of the decade and to as many as 300 million by 2025.”

  This report adds that these numbers only represent diagnosed cases of diabetes. Many more cases go completely undiagnosed. The final words of this report are, “intervention is needed today.”

  The CDC estimates that 21 million Americans have diabetes and 41 million have “prediabetes.” The CDC also reports these findings about diabetes:

  • It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • There were 1.5 million new cases diagnosed in people over 20 in 2005.
  • The largest number of new cases in 2005 was seen in people aged 40-59.

• Hospital Complications. It is a sad fact that obesity will put you in the hospital more often. However, the dangers of belly fat don’t end with increased hospital admissions. There are numerous medical and surgical complications associated with too much belly fat. Here are a few:
  • increased risk of hypoxemia when apneic
  • increased respiratory problems during general anesthesia
  • increased pulmonary atelectasis (collapse of part of the lung) from general anesthesia
  • increased incidence of intensive care unit death
  • increased complications from surgery

These are just a few of the dangers of belly fat. I hope these will inspire you to pursuer having flat abs. It isn’t just about looking better. It is about living longer and living well.