Abdominal Obesity

Definition

Abdominal obesity refers to the condition where there is excessive fat around the stomach and abdomen, and it's often measured through waist circumference. It is a risk factor for various health conditions.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity, occurs when there is an accumulation of visceral fat in the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs. This type of obesity is associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, contributing to metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk.

Benefits

• Preventing abdominal obesity through diet and exercise can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Managing abdominal obesity can lower the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
• Reducing abdominal fat can improve metabolic health and increase life expectancy.

Examples

• Measuring waist circumference to monitor abdominal obesity.
• Implementing a balanced diet and regular exercise to reduce abdominal fat.

Additional Information

• Effects: Abdominal obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is also linked to increased mortality due to its association with metabolic syndrome.

Related Terms

• Body Mass Index
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Visceral Fat
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Insulin Resistance

References

• The link between visceral adiposity and cardiovascular disease
• Health risks associated with obesity
• Impact of central obesity on metabolic risk factors