Have you ever considered how your body fat distribution can affect your life expectancy? While we generally think of body fat as undesirable, not all fat is created equal.

In fact, the location of fat deposits in our body can have vastly different impacts on our health. Two types of fat that have been the subject of much study and discussion are abdominal fat and hand fat. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of these two types of fat on our health and longevity.

Abdominal Fat: The Danger Zone

A growing body of research has shown that abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, is particularly dangerous for our health.

This is because abdominal fat is found deep within the abdominal cavity and surrounds our vital organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. As this fat accumulates, it can lead to an increased risk of a variety of health problems, including:.

Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Cancer

Additionally, because abdominal fat is metabolically active, it can produce hormones and other substances that can cause inflammation and lead to chronic diseases.

Measuring abdominal fat can be done in a few different ways. However, one method that is commonly used is waist circumference.

A waist circumference of over 35 inches for women and over 40 inches for men is considered a risk factor for the above-mentioned health problems.

Hand Fat: Not So Harmful?

On the other hand (no pun intended), hand fat, also known as subcutaneous fat, is located just beneath the skin and is found all over our bodies, including in our hands.

Unlike abdominal fat, hand fat is not metabolically active and does not produce the same harmful substances.

While there hasn’t been as much research on the impact of hand fat on health and longevity, it is generally thought to be less harmful than abdominal fat.

In fact, some studies have even suggested that having a higher amount of hand fat may be beneficial for our health. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals with higher levels of hand fat had a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Which is More Important?

So, which type of fat is more important when it comes to our health and life expectancy? While abdominal fat is clearly the more dangerous type of fat, it’s important to note that it’s not a simple case of “abdominal fat bad, hand fat good.” Both types of fat can have an impact on our health and longevity, but in different ways.

While it’s difficult to say which type of fat is more important, what is clear is that reducing overall body fat and maintaining a healthy weight is key when it comes to improving our health and increasing our life expectancy.

This can be achieved through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet that is low in processed foods and high in whole, nutrient-dense foods.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to our health and life expectancy, the location of our body fat is important. While abdominal fat is the more dangerous of the two types of fat, both abdominal fat and hand fat can have an impact on our health and longevity.

The key to improving our health and increasing our life expectancy is reducing overall body fat and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet.