Is a flabby tummy harming your health?

If you're worried about those love handles and not-so-firm thighs, stop fretting. According to researchers, it's not the fat you can see that's a cause for concern; it's visceral fat, the deep fat lurking around your organs, that's a real threat to your health.

Lauren Davidson, clinical dietitian for Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, describes the dangers of visceral fat and shares tips on how to beat the fat for good.

What's visceral fat?
"Visceral fat is fat that is located deep underneath the abdominal muscles, surrounding our organs," explains Davidson. "It's the fat we cannot see as opposed to the fat which is visible just below the skin."

This deep abdominal fat is dangerous because your liver metabolizes it and then turns it into artery-clogging blood cholesterol, putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke.

An MRI or CT scan of the abdomen can reveal if you're carrying a dangerous amount of visceral fat, but such tests could cost more than $1,500. For a cheaper and simpler alternative, ask your doctor for a waist circumference test in which you measure your waistline to estimate how much visceral fat you may be carrying. "For women, waist circumference should be less than 88 cm and for men, less than 102 cm," says Davidson.

How apples and pears carry weight
Diet and lifestyle are the two main factors in weight gain. "Diets high in saturated fats -- primarily animal products like meat, poultry and dairy -- trans fats and hydrogenated oils, and inadequate physical activity contribute to increased levels of abdominal fat," explains Davidson.

Genetics and sex also play a big role in body composition. Men tend to be apple-shaped, storing fat around their abdomen, whereas women tend to be pear-shaped, storing fat throughout their hips, thighs and buttocks. People with apple-shaped figures tend to store more visceral fat than pear-shaped figures and are at a higher risk for fat-related diseases.

Click to continue and learn how to prevent and reduce visceral fat...

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