Study Reveals Diet and Exercise Combat Dangerous Belly Fat

New research from the United Kingdom indicates that a combination of improved diet and increased physical activity can significantly reduce the accumulation of harmful visceral fat. This study suggests that adopting healthier lifestyle choices not only promotes weight loss but also lowers the risk of metabolic diseases associated with visceral fat.

Visceral fat, which is the dense fat stored around vital organs, has been linked to serious health risks, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, subcutaneous fat, the fat that can be pinched under the skin, is generally considered less harmful. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding where fat is stored in the body, as not all fat is equal in terms of health implications.

Dr. Shayan Aryannezhad, a researcher at the University of Oxford and co-author of the study, explained, “When people talk about changes in body weight, they often refer to a single number on the scale. But not all weight loss or gain is the same.” He noted that the research found combining a nutritious diet with regular physical activity effectively reduces both the amount and location of fat stored in the body.

The findings, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, are based on an analysis of over 7,200 middle-aged adults in the UK, tracked for an average of seven years. Researchers documented that individuals who improved their diet or increased their exercise levels experienced slower weight gain and a lower risk of developing fatty liver disease compared to those who maintained less healthy lifestyles.

The results were even more promising for those who both exercised and maintained a healthy diet. On average, individuals in this group gained 1.9 kilograms less total body fat and 150 grams less visceral fat than their less health-conscious counterparts. This reduction is equivalent to approximately 7 percent of total body fat and 16 percent of visceral fat.

Importantly, the links between improved lifestyle habits and reduced visceral fat remained significant even after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), a common measure of obesity. This suggests that visceral fat may be the first to decrease when individuals adopt healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Nita Forouhi, a professor of population health and nutrition at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study, stated, “The findings suggest that improving diet and exercise in midlife can not only help with weight loss but may also lower the risk of metabolic diseases and promote healthier aging.”

She acknowledged the challenges of living in environments that often encourage unhealthy eating and sedentary behavior. Nonetheless, Dr. Forouhi emphasized the benefits of making small, sustained changes that can lead to healthier diets and increased physical activity.

As the global population continues to grapple with rising obesity rates and related health issues, this study provides valuable insights into the specific benefits of diet and exercise, particularly in combating the risks associated with visceral fat. The results underscore the importance of a holistic approach to health that prioritizes both nutrition and physical activity for long-term well-being.