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Who is Most at Risk for Premature Death Due to Abdominal Fat?

Abdominal obesity is a significant predictor of metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension by mariabutler
Estimated reading time: 3 min 23 sec
Who is Most at Risk for Premature Death Due to Abdominal Fat? Photo by Plato Terentev on Pexels

Obesity is a modern-day epidemic that is prevalent in both developed and developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975.

Obesity has become a known risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which a person has an unhealthy amount and distribution of body fat. Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to classify obesity. A person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered as obese.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). Obesity is a complex disorder that results from the interaction of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Diet, physical activity, and socio-economic status also play a vital role in the development of obesity.

What is Abdominal Obesity?

Abdominal obesity refers to the accumulation of fat around the abdomen, also known as visceral fat. Visceral fat is a type of fat that surrounds the internal organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines.

It is different from subcutaneous fat, which is located under the skin and is visible. Abdominal obesity is a significant predictor of metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Studies have shown that people with abdominal obesity have an increased risk of premature death compared to those with a normal waist circumference, even if their BMI falls within the healthy range.

Who is Most at Risk for Premature Death Due to Abdominal Fat?

The risk of premature death due to abdominal obesity is greater in men than women. Men have a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity than women. Age also plays a role. The risk of premature death due to abdominal obesity increases with age.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, abdominal obesity (measured by waist circumference) is an independent predictor of mortality in older adults over the age of 65.

Apart from gender and age, there are other risk factors for premature death due to abdominal obesity. People with a family history of obesity are more likely to develop abdominal obesity. Ethnicity also plays a role.

Studies have shown that people of South Asian, African, and Hispanic descent are at greater risk of developing abdominal obesity than those of European descent.

Related Article Understanding the Dangers of Abdominal Fat: Which Groups are Most Vulnerable to Premature Death? Understanding the Dangers of Abdominal Fat: Which Groups are Most Vulnerable to Premature Death?

Lifestyle choices can also contribute significantly to the development of abdominal obesity and the associated risks. A sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in saturated fats, sugar and processed foods, and stress are all risk factors for abdominal obesity.

People who smoke or drink alcohol excessively are also at greater risk of developing abdominal obesity.

Complications Associated with Abdominal Obesity

Abdominal obesity is associated with several metabolic complications, including:.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Abdominal obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis.

These conditions, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Abdominal obesity has also been shown to increase the risk of heart failure.

Diabetes:

Abdominal obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Visceral fat produces cytokines and other substances that cause insulin resistance. This, in turn, causes high blood glucose levels and the development of diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause several health complications, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease.

Cancer:

Studies have shown that abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

The exact mechanism is not entirely understood, but it is believed that visceral fat produces hormones and other substances that promote the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Abdominal obesity is a known risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep due to the narrowing or blockage of the airway.

OSA can cause several health complications, including daytime fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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