Excess fat may appear in many places of the body. It can appear face, the arms, legs, and others. Studies show that individuals who are carrying extra pounds especially belly fat have increased risks of developing many chronic illnesses. What is more alarming is the number of men with this condition has increased around the world. In America alone, two-thirds of men are overweight or obese. These men have higher mortality rates compared to their counterparts who had better health and fitness. Having more than 40 inches of waistline is considered by doctors as dangerous. Because extra weight in the stomach is more dangerous than fat around your hips and thighs, as visceral fat is worse for health than the subcutaneous fat that sits under the skin.

The cause of this phenomenon remains a puzzle to health experts around the world but some studies suggest that fat cells may in the belly may promote the production of large amounts of fatty acids that may cause dangers to a person's blood sugar levels and insulin metabolism. Such circumstance may prompt individuals with large bellies to lose sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that is important in helping the body burn energy. When this happens, the body responds by producing more hormones that creates an imbalance. As a result, people with belly fat may have increased risks of high blood pressure, excess bad cholesterol which may contribute to heart disease.

Other conditions that may be developed because of belly fat may include the following:

Diabetes

Some types of cancers

High blood pressure

Sleep apnea

Abnormal lipids ? high triglycerides and low HDL (good cholesterol)

Insulin resistance

Metabolic syndrome

However, the development of these conditions may be prevented by maintaining a health and fitness regimen which includes exercise and nutritious diet. Staying active most days of the week may largely contribute to weight loss and health improvements. Most people need at least 30 minutes a day to achieve good health but some may need longer periods of physical activity. Aerobic exercise like jogging, bicycling, running, and swimming may get one breathing, increase heart rate and also burn fat. Recent studies show that walking about 10,000 steps a day may lead to health improvements. Combining exercise with a well-balanced diet may ward off excess fat and keep it off.

Many individuals who want to lose weight and improve their health often resort to the use of weight loss products. A number of products are now sold in the market and can be readily bought from online drugstores. These drugs often do more harm than good because of the side effects it brings. In addition to drug use, many also tend to overdo exercise and starve themselves --- actions that does more harm than good because of the development of injuries and other conditions. Individuals who want to lose weight should bear in mind that there are no short cuts to weight loss and its health benefits. These people should not despair because it takes patience and effort to achieve it. However, after losing these excess pounds these individuals may improve their health in a great way.