Belly fat becomes and stays prominent in men and women as they age, 35 and above, unless you have been paying attention to your daily nutrition and exercising smart (or you are genetically blessed with a great metabolism / a great physique naturally).
How do you know if you have UNHEALTHY amount belly fat?
- Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your bare stomach, directly above your hip bone. The tape should be snug but not too tight. For women, a measurement of 35 inches or more indicates an unhealthy amount of belly fat. For men, a measurement of 40 inches or more indicates an unhealthy measure.
- Look in the mirror. Where your body tends to store fat can offer you a clue. If you’re an apple, a big trunk and slimmer legs, it often can mean more visceral fat.
What is visceral fat and why is it bad?
Visceral fat is fat that wraps around your abdominal organs deep inside your body. Visceral fat can raise your risk for serious medical issues like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol and blood pressure spikes.
Per this article on healthline.com, the following guidelines can help reduce belly fat when followed consistently…
- Eat more protein
- Keep away from refined sugar, reduce or eliminate the daily added sugar intake
- Eat more fiber-rich foods
- Keep away from simple carbohydrates
- Engage in weight and strength training, and cardio
- Watch your daily caloric intake and keep a food journal