Fat is stored energy. There are two main types of fat. Approximately 90 percent of the fat in our bodies is subcutaneous fat. The other 10 percent is intra-abdominal or visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is stored all over your body, including the midsection and you feel when you pinch your skin.

What are the roles of these fats: Subcutaneous fat stores energy in fat cells under the skin. This type of fat stores energy long-term. Subcutaneous fat stores continue to expand as people gain weight. Visceral fat, located within the abdomen, provides short-term energy storage. Its expansion happens only in the abdominal cavity. The liver can quickly process the energy in visceral fat to make it readily available to the body during bursts of energy expenditure. Visceral fat also protects organs in the abdominal cavity. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation and cushioning for bones and muscles.

 

 

 

What is pot belly: A potbelly is, simply, excess belly fat or central obesity. Generally, fat around the stomach area that is more than one inch thick will appear as a “pot belly” and with lose muscles it becomes more prominent. Central obesity is a major problem in India. For men and women, a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (102 centimeters), 55 inches (89 centimeter) indicate an unhealthy concentration of belly fat and a greater risk of health problems.

 

What are the health risks and benefits of these fats: Research shows that fat cells do not simply store energy; they also secrete hormones. Hormone secretion allows these cells to affect the function of other tissues and organs. Visceral/central fat is harmful since it produces proteins called cytokines, which cause inflammation in the body and may lead to the development of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma. When visceral fat is metabolized, it releases fatty acids into the bloodstream and liver, which raises cholesterol levels.  These functions increase the risk for high cholesterol, heart disease, breathing problem, and high blood pressure. Visceral fat also secretes a protein that contributes to insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

Subcutaneous fat, however, offers some health benefits. These fat cells secrete the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin. Another hormone secreted mostly by subcutaneous fat cells, adiponectin, aids the processing of fats and sugars and protects against inflammation in blood vessels.

How to get rid of pot belly fat: Both weight gain and weight loss tend to happen across your whole body, but spotting changes first in specific areas of the body due to fat deposition varies from person and that unique pattern is likely to be influenced by your genes.

If you are aiming to lose belly fat, healthy weight loss strategies are your best bet. Here are a few evidence-based ways to lose fat, including abdominal fat: 1) Limit sugar and sugar-sweetened drinks; 2) Eat more protein that are most important macronutrient for weight loss; 3) Consider a low or no carb diet (vegetables, salads, soups, fruits, and juices) that is effective to lose fat and totally avoid fried items; 4) Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods that can help with weight loss. However, the type of fiber is important. The soluble and viscous fibers have an effect on your weight because they bind to water and form a thick gel that “sits” in your gut; 5) Exercise regularly increase your chances of living a long, healthy life and avoiding disease and also helps to reduce abdominal fat.

The bottom line is that visceral fat around the belly is linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions. So, people should reduce fat in the abdomen by taking on key lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy Magic Diet packed with lean protein that comes from dals, vegetables and fruit, and legumes. Doing abdominal (abs) or stomach muscles exercises regularly also helps to reduce weight, and other health problems.