Belly fat in men is not limited to that infamous “beer belly.” It also includes excess hidden fat surrounding internal organs throughout your abdomen.
It’s not only unattractive, it can be deadly.
Higher risk of diseases
Excess abdominal fat (stomach fat, visceral adiposity) is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and some cancers.
Those excess fat cells also secrete unique chemicals that interfere with normal metabolic pathways including insulin. This increases the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
Belly fat is stressful, not only psychologically, but also physically.
Measure your waist
While most examples of belly fat in men are very obvious, studies have shown that one of the most reliable ways to know if you have too much belly fat is also the easiest.
Just measure your waist.
Put the tape measure around your abdomen just above your hipbones, keeping it level and snug. Take your measurement after you exhale and are relaxed. Do not pull your belly in.
For most adult men, the danger zone starts at any waist circumference measurement over 40 inches (102 centimeters) according to Harvard Medical School (Blackburn) and the Mayo Clinic (Jensen).
Get a plan and follow through
When you decide to get healthy and lose those love handles, you’ll need a good comprehensive diet and exercise plan. There are good belly fat diets, but you’ll have to improve all your lifestyle habits to keep the weight off permanently. If you have other health conditions or are taking medication, please check with your health care provider for advice.
Men’s hormones make it easier to lose weight, so it’s just a matter of getting started and doing it.