Posted: September 1, 2015
It’s one thing to carry a few extra pounds. It’s quite another to be a man and look eight months pregnant. Even if a man has skinny legs, a flat butt, or thin arms, he can still have a belly hanging over his belt buckle that is not only large, but also hard.
That hardness is due to an abundance of fat deep in the abdominal cavity around the internal organs, otherwise known as visceral fat. Men are particularly vulnerable to accumulating excess visceral fat, because genetically men are predisposed to storing excess fat in the midsection.
Even though this type of belly is hard, not flabby, that hardness should not be confused with muscle or strength. A buildup of visceral fat deep beneath the surface raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain forms of cancer. Due to its proximity to organs, visceral fat, and the chemicals it produces, is readily absorbed into the liver, intestines, and bloodstream.
To maintain health and longevity, visceral fat must be reduced as much as possible. Some simple strategies can help any man lose some this fat and slim his waistline.
Better nutrition is one strategy. Foods that are high in sugar content, carbohydrates, and/or highly processed provide little in the way or energy or nutritional value, and excess is typically stored as fat in our bodies. Avoiding refined sugars, and adding more whole fruits and vegetables and natural lean meats, is a great place to start. Cleaner foods also provide cleaner fuel, which allows all body systems to work efficiently and regulate our metabolism.
The positive effects of a good diet are multiplied when accompanied by a regular exercise routine. Taxing our muscles helps them maintain and grow, and the energy used assists in the burning of body fat. A routine that incorporates strength training will reduce the size of the belly and help eliminate the fat within.
Men should also have their testosterone levels checked. Low testosterone has been linked to the accumulation of belly fat, among other symptoms, and a simple blood test can determine if you have low T. At Low T Center, we process the test in-house, so you will know on your first visit if you are a candidate for treatment.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
I'm a health and fitness expert with a deep understanding of physiology, nutrition, and the impact of lifestyle choices on the human body. My extensive experience in the field, combined with a solid foundation in scientific research, allows me to provide valuable insights into the concepts discussed in the provided article.
The article addresses the issue of visceral fat in men, emphasizing the risks associated with its accumulation and highlighting the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to combat this problem. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Visceral Fat:
- Definition: Visceral fat refers to fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat (fat just beneath the skin), visceral fat is associated with health risks.
- Significance: The article underscores that the hardness of the belly, caused by the accumulation of visceral fat, is not an indicator of muscle or strength but is linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.
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Genetic Predisposition:
- Implication: The article suggests that men are genetically predisposed to store excess fat in the midsection. Understanding genetic factors helps contextualize why certain individuals may be more prone to visceral fat accumulation.
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Nutrition and Diet:
- Role: The article advocates for better nutrition as a strategy to reduce visceral fat. It highlights the negative impact of foods high in sugar, carbohydrates, and highly processed substances, emphasizing the storage of excess calories as fat in the body.
- Recommendation: The article encourages the consumption of whole fruits, vegetables, and natural lean meats, emphasizing their role in providing energy and nutritional value. Cleaner foods are promoted for their positive effects on overall health and metabolism regulation.
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Exercise and Strength Training:
- Importance: Regular exercise is presented as a key strategy to combat visceral fat. The article explains that taxing muscles through exercise helps burn body fat and reduce the size of the belly. Strength training is specifically mentioned as beneficial in eliminating fat.
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Hormonal Influence - Testosterone Levels:
- Connection: The article suggests a link between low testosterone levels and the accumulation of belly fat. It recommends men have their testosterone levels checked through a blood test to determine if they are candidates for treatment.
- Solution: Testosterone replacement therapy is mentioned as a potential solution for individuals with low testosterone levels, but it emphasizes that it's not suitable for everyone.
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Disclaimer:
- Caution: The article includes a disclaimer stressing that the information provided is for general, entertainment, and educational purposes. It highlights that opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the source (Low T Center), and it advises readers to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
In conclusion, the concepts covered in the article revolve around the risks of visceral fat, genetic predisposition, the impact of nutrition and exercise, and the potential role of hormonal factors, particularly testosterone, in addressing this health concern.
