Intra-abdominal fat is stored in response to the effects of cortisol. When we eat too much we get extra high blood sugar that is made into fats and stored within fat cells. These cells are not just storage containers. They are active and produce an array of chemicals all aimed at getting us to stop eating.

Remember the stress response is aimed to get us moving. It is intended to help us fight or flee the situation. We need to take our cue from this and do it.  Short bursts of intense exercise (if your BMI is over 35 and your waist is over 34″female or 40″ male walking is intense exercise) and adequate rest will cause our body to use this extra stored fuel. The body will perceive a regular supply of excellent nutrients and will not cause cravings for certain foods and will not over-react to blood sugar spikes because there won’t be any.

If you have too much abdominal fat your waist will show it. Measure it. If it is over 34 inches and you are a female, then it is critical you reduce the waist size. Guys, over 40″ is too much for you. What is going on in that fat anyway?

Fat in the belly is making molecules of chemicals that cause inflammation in the lining of blood vessels, it makes a hormone that constricts arteries and raises blood pressure, it stimulates cortisol independently causing increased insulin resistance.  These are just a few. It also acts like a tumor, and like a tumor, wants to grow so you might feel hungry even though you just ate, you might feel a craving even if you aren’t feeling deprived or stressed. This all goes without talking about the effect on joints, self esteem and mobility. Add diabetes and hypertension and you have a real problem.

Want to know what I think?  Join me on a call on the first Thursday night of each month at 8:30 PM eastern time. You receive an invitation to Ask Bruce Anything when you become a member of my Personal Empowerment Plan. Click through and sign up today. As always I welcome your comments.

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