Dr. Michael Jensen, an endocrinology specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota recently voiced the growing concern regarding belly fat in men. Jensen discusses the risk that men take when disregarding the weight gain in their belly area. It may seem inevitable that as we age, men accumulate fat in that area, however, belly fat is worse to have than fat in other areas.
Having excessive belly fat can lead to a number of different health conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Some types of cancer
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Sleep apnea
According to health specialists, a man can tell if he is carrying an unhealthy amount of belly fat if his waist exceeds 40 inches. At 40 inches, the risk of heart disease becomes far greater. To lose belly fat, Jensen recommends lowering your caloric intake, developing a light exercise routine; gradually increasing physical activity.
As Boston Medical Group Telemedicine often advises, a man’s sexual function relies partially on how well he takes care of his body. Eating healthily, exercising and visiting a doctor for regular check-ups is very important. More information on weight loss and belly fat can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/belly-fat/MC00054/METHOD=print