So one day there you are looking down and there it is! Staring back at you is a huge round belly! When did this happen? It just seemed to grow overnight!

It is very important to know that abdominal fat accumulation is not just a cosmetic issue but can be a serious health risk. This type of fat, also known as android or “central” obesity is linked with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, glucose intolerance, elevated insulin levels and many other health conditions such as stroke and cancers of the breast, ovary and prostate. One negative function of visceral fat, located deep in the abdomen and surrounding our vital organs, is that this fat is metabolized by the liver, turns into cholesterol and circulates in the bloodstream. LDL (low density lipoproteins), or bad cholesterol forms plaques and builds up in the arterial walls, gradually blocking arteries. Bad enough to have a major heart attack and die prematurely but worse would be to live the rest of our days (which could be many!) in poor health, unable to enjoy all of what life has to offer.

The saddest part is that now our grandchildren are growing these bellies! The tummies of US teens and children have 65% more fat than in 1999, say researches from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. (Health News on Forbes Internet site)

So right now go to a full length mirror and take a close look at your body. Are you what is termed as ‘apple shaped’ or ‘pear shaped’? Even though pear shaped people may find it more difficult to lose weight from their hips, thighs, and behinds, it is the apple-shaped folks who really need to focus their efforts because this central fat is far more dangerous.

By the way, for you daily drinkers out there, there is a very intimate connection between alcohol intake, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio. Hard liquor especially is closely related to abdominal fat in particular – and it is far worse in the aging population when one’s metabolism naturally slows down.

Regular Exercise is Essential

While letting deep layers of belly fat go unchecked can have lethal consequences, the good news is that regular exercise can keep this potentially dangerous form of fat at bay.

In their study published in the October issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology, researches put 175 overweight sedentary men and women on supervised routines on treadmills, elliptical trainers and cycles. ”The control group that did not exercise saw a sizable and significant 8.6% increase in visceral fat in only six months . . . and a modest exercise program equivalent to a brisk thirty-minute walk, six times a week, can prevent accumulation of visceral fat, while even more exercise can actually reverse the amount of visceral fat,” says Duke exercise physiologist Cris Slentz, lead author of the study.

After all, is it not quality of life we want? We all need to take personal responsibility for our health and taking action is the first step. So come on in and party with us! We can help you propel you on your way to wellness. See you soon!

Judit Rajhathy, Change of Pace Fitness Center, Ajijic and author of Canadian best selling book Free to Fly: a journey toward wellness.