What are the hazards of having a large belly

Having a large belly may increase various health risks, including visceral fat accumulation, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, excessive lumbar pressure, respiratory dysfunction, etc.

1. Accumulation of visceral fat

Abdominal obesity is usually accompanied by excessive accumulation of visceral fat, which can envelop organs such as the liver and pancreas, interfere with insulin sensitivity, and may induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Visceral fat also secretes inflammatory factors, which may promote chronic low-grade inflammation in the long term.

2. Metabolic disorders

Excessive waist circumference is closely related to metabolic syndrome, which may lead to abnormal blood glucose regulation, dyslipidemia, and other problems. Free fatty acids released by abdominal adipocytes will aggravate insulin resistance and increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

3. Cardiovascular disease

Abdominal obesity is often accompanied by elevated blood pressure and accelerated arteriosclerosis, and vasoactive substances produced by visceral fat may damage endothelial function. The risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke in this population is significantly higher than that of individuals with normal body types.

4. Excessive pressure on the lumbar spine

can cause the body's center of gravity to shift forward, forcing the lumbar spine to continue to bear additional loads, which may lead to intervertebral disc herniation or degenerative disease in the long run. Some patients may experience chronic lower back pain, which affects their ability to perform daily activities.

5. Respiratory dysfunction

Abdominal fat accumulation can limit the range of diaphragm movement, leading to a decrease in lung ventilation and, in severe cases, sleep apnea syndrome. Nocturnal hypoxia can further increase cardiovascular burden.

It is recommended to reduce abdominal fat through aerobic exercise combined with core muscle training, control refined carbohydrates intake in diet, and increase the proportion of dietary fiber and high-quality protein. Regular monitoring of waist circumference indicators should be taken seriously when males exceed 90 centimeters or females exceed 85 centimeters. For patients with combined hypertension or abnormal blood sugar, a personalized weight loss plan should be developed under the guidance of a doctor to avoid nutritional imbalance caused by extreme dieting.