It’s hard to believe in this crazy fitness world but two-thirds of American men are overweight or obese. While women often put on extra pounds in the hips, thighs and legs, men are much more likely to gain belly fat.

The “apple-shaped” obesity commonly referred to as belly fat, is the accumulation of visceral fat or in layman terms fat deposits on the belly. Our bodies are designed to store fat for release during times when there is not enough food. This was actually a safety mechanism that are bodies developed for survival, but these days this mechanism is backfiring on us as those times have become rare if not non-existent where we are unable to access food. 

So when we put on weight and never have these lean times, fat cells begin to release fat molecules into the blood at a higher rate.

Even though the connection between belly fat and health is not entirely clear, research and studies indicate that men with a lot of belly fat are at higher risk of health problems than those who accumulate fat in other areas. For most men, the risk factors for heart disease and other diseases increase with a waist size over 40 inches i.e. 102 centimeters.

The risk for disease becomes higher with big bellies resulting in problems like:
 Diabetes
 Some types of cancers
 High blood pressure
 Sleep apnea
 Abnormal lipids — high triglycerides and low HDL (”good” cholesterol)
 Insulin resistance
 Metabolic syndrome
 Heart Diseases

There are many things that cause belly Fat such as

 Sedentary life style
 Over eating
 Excess fast foods
 Excess of alcohol
 Genetics
 Stress
 Improper Digestion
 Slow Metabolism
 Eating Late at Night

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Noticing the bulge in your mid-riff lately? You then find ways to shed that extra flab. Read on to know what will work best for you.

Diet:  Your body is like a machine. To work efficiently it needs a host of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and carbs. A healthy diet will help your body to metabolize and function properly.

Exercises:  It is difficult to lose fat in a particular spot. Do exercises to strengthen all your core muscles, not just your abs. Focus on your major muscle groups including your legs, which will help burn more calories.

Aerobic training: Burn more calories than you take in. Aerobic training combined with the above tips will do the trick.

Getting rid of belly fat is certainly not easy, but it is possible.  Changing your diet and following some exercise program is the perfect way to firm up your six-pack abs, which used to hide behind a layer of squishy fat!

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