It is common for us to be unaware of the fact that the apparently little habits we have can cause a negative effect on our health, one of which is the accumulation of fat in our abdominal area. Excess fat in the abdominal area is not just a matter of appearance; it can have a serious impact on health.
Visceral fat refers to the accumulation of fat that surrounds and covers internal organs. This fat may cause various health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, a fatty liver, and other liver problems.
Little habits that cause belly fat
Everyday routines that are regarded as small matters can lead to belly fat, such as:
Using cell phone while eating
Nowadays, more people find it difficult to leave their cell phones behind. A lot of them engage with cellphones even when they are eating. This habit is certainly not good for your health, as it can lead to overeating.
Mindful eating is important for your health because you can focus fully on your food and savor every bite. This practice helps reduce overeating and reduces food-related stress and anxiety.
Eating too fast
The habit of eating too fast can have a negative impact on health, including insulin resistance. When you eat too fast, the digestive system will find it difficult to process the food properly. As a result, food can cause elevated blood sugar due to its rapid absorption into the circulation.
The body will respond to the blood sugar elevation by producing more insulin so that blood sugar levels can be lowered. A constant increase in insulin production can lead to insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond well to insulin and your blood sugar will remain high.
Read more: How Much Blood Sugar Levels Are Normal Based On Age?
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation can contribute to fat accumulation in the abdominal area. Sleep deprivation affects appetite-regulating hormones such as ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (satiety hormone), as a result of which you will tend to have a higher appetite when you are sleep deprived.
Sleep deprivation can also affect your metabolism, including interfering with your body's ability to process carbohydrates. This disruption causes an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels, which then leads to fat accumulation in the abdominal area.
Late dinner
Research shows that meal timing is critical to overall health, including weight gain. Eating too late is often associated with unhealthy food choices or excessive portions, which can lead to weight gain.
Late dinner can also interfere with digestion and calorie burning, as the body is less efficient at processing food at night.
Skipping breakfast
Some people skip breakfast in order to lose weight. In fact, it is the frequent skipping of breakfast that leads to belly fat and weight gain.
Skipping breakfast causes people to consume larger portions of food at lunch or dinner. In the end, the calorie intake becomes higher.
Read more: Can't Breakfast Lose Weight, Myth Or Fact?
Lack of exercise
Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health and managing weight. Moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes every day helps reduce belly fat, boost metabolism, improve heart health, and also improve mental health.
An unhealthy diet and way of life are frequently the causes of belly fat. If you are having trouble managing your diet and choosing physical activities that support your health, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home treatments? Click here!
- dr. Monica Salim
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