Even if your overall body weight is within acceptable limits, extra belly fat increases your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) in a statement published online by Circulation on April 22, 2021. The most dangerous form of fat for your heart, according to the AHA's evaluation of the research, is visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which is found deep within your body, surrounding your organs. not the type of fat that you can touch just beneath the skin. VAT is a physiologically active chemical that produces inflammatory molecules that can damage blood vessels and create other cardiovascular issues.
Measure your height and stomach at the level of your navel to determine your VAT: your waist size should ideally be no more than one-half your height. On the plus side, according to the AHA the American Heart Association, following basic activity guidelines can help reduce harmful fat accumulation. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, which might include brisk walking, swimming, running, or high-intensity activities. The aim is to improve your lean body mass (muscle mass) to fatty body mass ratio. Weight training on a regular basis might also assist.
