This type of fat does not just take up space; it actually produces hormones and other substances that can adversely affect your health. These hormones can promote the development of insulin resistance which is a precursor of Type 2 Diabetes or even produce estrogen in post-menopausal women, which can increase their risk of breast cancer.

Some belly fat cells produce hormones that can promote insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. Others can produce estrogen after a woman reaches menopause, which may increase her risk of breast cancer.

There are many ways that women can lose weight but they take time and effort. Cardio is very important if you want to lose that belly fat. You need to get your heart pumping in order to start fat oxidation in your body. That is the process of burning fat. You can't get to that level without doing some cardio.

Visceral fat is very bad because it is linked to many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. Visceral fat is also metabolically active, meaning that is doesn't just sit there (like subcutaneous belly fat) is can actively promote inflammation which scientists think is the driving force for many diseases. Fortunately when you go on a weight loss diet you will lose both visceral and subcutaneous belly fat.

If you're wondering if you have too much belly fat or know that you have too much belly fat you may want to know just how much you have. A belly fat test can do that. Too much fat stored in the abdomen or belly raises the risk of heart disease. There is a lot of concern these days when people are carrying around too much excess fat in their bellies. There is a way to tell if you are in the safe range or not.

Fat round the belly can be the most troublesome because not only is it unattractive, but belly fat increases one's risk for all types of medical conditions including heart disease and stroke. The sobering reality for men is, because fat comes off the body the opposite way it goes on, belly fat is the last thing to go for a man who is losing weight.

Crunches and other ab routines are also great ways to lose belly fat. You can work those different muscle groups so your entire stomach is sexy and lean, rather than just certain parts. When you target different areas, you are getting a better workout and also burning calories, which is a great way to lose that belly flab.

If the fat accumulates inside your belly, below the abdominal muscles, you're risking your health. This fat surrounds your inner organs and is highly active in your metabolism. It emits fatty acids in your blood, making the blood thicker. Additionally it releases hormones which cause a lot of dangerous processes in your body, making it hard to lose weight permanently for a woman over 40.