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Belly Fat & Hormonal Disorders

Belly fat is the visible outer layer of fat (also called abdominal or subcutaneous fat). The presence of belly fat frequently indicates the presence of visceral fat within the abdomen. Fat in close proximity glands in the endocrine system, as well as major organs, can lead to hormonal disorders.

  1. The Facts

    • A hormonal disorder impacts the endocrine system, the system made up of glands using hormones to manage metabolism, growth, puberty and mood. The glands include the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovary and testes. Because fat secretes chemicals and hormones, it is not wrong to think of fat cells as an endocrine gland, too. Excess body fat, and belly fat in particular, releases substances that disrupt the function of the entire endocrine system.

    Function

    • Abdominal fat plays a role in endocrine disorders when it produces excessive hormones that disrupt the endocrine system. Many of the resulting endocrine disorders encourage fat storage, which creates a vicious cycle of fat creating fat. The greater the amount of visceral fat, the higher the risk of that fat throwing the endocrine system off-balance. Endocrine disorders include diabetes, thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease and Cushing's disease, but there are many more.

    Effects

    • Belly fat often indicates fat around internal organs, which can increase the production of blood lipids (fatty acids and cholesterol). Increased fat leads to increased blood lipids, which leads to increased bad cholesterol (LDL), reduced good cholesterol (HDL), as well as insulin resistance. High LDL and low HDL have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is a factor in metabolic syndrome, as well as type 2 diabetes; these conditions also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

    Identification

    • Through magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, medical professionals have been able to link waist size to the presence of fat around organs. If you are a woman with a waist circumference of 35 inches or greater, or a male with a waist measurement of 40 inches or greater, see your doctor to check your blood pressure, as well as levels of triglycerides, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and glucose.

    Potential

    • To reduce your risk of a weight related hormone disorder, it is most important to bring your weight down to an age, sex, and height appropriate number. Walking, running and/or strength training are proven methods for attaining and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, pay attention to what you eat and how much you eat. Focus on complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, fruits) and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, trans fats and saturated fats. Be aware of the quantity of food in each meal, a serving is generally no larger than the size of your fist. Consult your doctor before beginning any significant adjustments to your diet and/or physical activity level.

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