Obesity is an epidemic of the 21st century, which carries numerable risks to our health. In particular, abdominal fat, or visceral fat, disrupts the proper function of abdominal organs, such as the liver. Increased waist circumference (over 89 cm in women and over 102 cm in men) indicates the accumulation of abdominal fat.

Visceral fat is metabolically active, can cause chronic inflammation, increase triglycerides and lower good cholesterol levels. According to a study conducted by the University of Southern California, the incidence of stroke has tripled in women aged 35-44 in the last decade, which has been attributed to the increase in the waist circumference of women.

The pathological significance of belly fat accumulation exists even when the Body Mass Index is normal and is associated with a host of health problems.

Cardiovascular diseases

A recent study of more than 15,000 participants found that those with high abdominal fat had a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Arterial hypertension

Hypertension is a chronic disease that reflects how intensively our heart needs to work in order for blood to circulate in the body. Visceral fat is a factor that may be responsible for Hypertension.

Diabetes

Increased belly fat increases the risk of developing insulin resistance, which contributes to the development of diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by a combination of cardiovascular risk factors, the most important of which are hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and blood sugar disorders. People with Metabolic Syndrome have high levels of triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and abdominal obesity.

Gallbladder problems

The gallbladder is an organ of the body, the main function of which is to store and circulate digestive fluid through the cystic duct in the small intestine, so as to achieve the breakdown of food intake. Some gallbladder problems (Gallstones, namely stones, Gallbladder colic, Gallbladder inflammation, Dysfunctional bile) are significantly related to visceral fat.

Colon cancer

The possibility of developing colon cancer is enhanced due to the increased fat in the abdomen. According to a study, postmenopausal women with accumulated visceral fat are twice as likely to develop colon cancer.

Breast cancer

Abdominal fat is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, it has been found that losing weight in women reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.

Νόσος Alzheimer’s disease

Visceral fat may lead to shrinkage of the brain and increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the risk of dementia increases up to 3 times more in those who have high abdominal fat compared to those who have less visceral fat.

The role of Functional Nutrition in reducing visceral fat and promoting health

Functional nutrition is a kind of nutritional approach based on the individualization of problems. Based on the individual genetic background, lifestyle and above all the biodiversity of everyone, a fully personalized diet plan is formulated, tailored to the needs of each individual.

To achieve all this, specialized diagnostic tests are performed, at a molecular level, which investigate the hormonal and metabolic status of the body and detect markers that indicate inflammation, associated with high fat storage capacity. A genetic test can also be performed, which analyzes genetic variants, in order to better understand the human body and how to provide the nutrients it really needs.

Based on the diagnostic findings, individualized nutritional treatment protocols are developed, which may include micronutrients and, if necessary, hormonal rehabilitation with Natural (Bioidentical) hormones, with the aim of the hormonal recovery of the organism and the treatment of deficiencies of nutrients.

Functional Nutrition also assesses factors such as intestinal microbiome health, stress levels and sleep quality. Eliminating stress can help reduce visceral fat, as, under stressful conditions, permanently increased cortisol intensifies the need to consume fat and sugar, which can occur as a result of poor sleep.

A Nutritionist who follows the Functional Nutrition approach can help deal with stress by proposing the inclusion of various foods or nutritional supplements in the daily diet, while also providing a physical exercise program, under medical supervision.

Gradually, with these methods, cellular deficiencies are alleviated, the cell is protected from oxidation and inflammation, the balance of the hormonal system is restored and the right metabolic pathways are mobilized, with the final consequence of the regulation of the optimal body weight, as well as the protection of the individual from Chronic, Autoimmune and Metabolic diseases and possible infections.

 

 

 

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