Sadhguru details why belly fat is dangerous for health: ‘A young woman is definitely inviting trouble’

Excess belly fat, particularly visceral fat, is known to be metabolically active, releasing inflammatory markers that worsen pain sensitivity and contribute to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. According to Kanikka Malhotra, Consultant Dietician and Diabetes Educator, the inflammatory nature of visceral fat exacerbates the body’s pain response. This is especially true in women, where hormonal factors like estrogen further influence fat distribution and metabolism, making them more prone to the link between abdominal fat and chronic pain.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, told indianexpress.com that the mechanical stress caused by excess weight adds to musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the lower back and joints. This additional strain can aggravate conditions like osteoarthritis and lead to chronic discomfort.

Belly fat is closely linked to heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension. (Source: Freepik)

Abdominal fat also has a negative impact on insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, further contributing to the development of chronic pain.

Some common problems associated with belly fat include:

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by visceral fat.

Cardiovascular Disease: Belly fat is closely linked to heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension.

Type 2 Diabetes: Abdominal fat promotes insulin resistance, making the body less effective at controlling blood sugar levels.

Sleep Apnoea: Excess abdominal weight is associated with breathing disruptions during sleep, increasing the risk of sleep apnoea.

Fatty Liver Disease: VAT contributes to fat accumulation in the liver, raising the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cancer: The presence of belly fat is linked to a higher risk of cancers such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.

Infertility: Abdominal obesity can impair fertility by disrupting hormonal balance.

Reduced Quality of Life: Excess abdominal fat negatively impacts self-esteem, body image, and overall well-being.

Dr Chatterjee also recommended lifestyle modifications to counter this problem, which include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and monitoring waist circumference in addition to BMI. “For individuals struggling with chronic pain due to obesity, referral to a healthcare provider for further interventions such as pharmacological treatment or bariatric surgery may be necessary,” he concluded.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.