If you’re grappling with excess belly fat, you’re not alone. This type of body fat is more than just a nuisance that makes your clothes feel tight; it’s can also be a significant health issue. Belly fat is not just about how you look; it can have serious implications for your overall health. There are two main types: the fat just under your skin, known as subcutaneous fat, and a more sinister type that wraps around your internal organs, called visceral fat. It’s this deeper fat that can be the bigger health worry, even leading to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
In this blog, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna aims to provide you with clear, accessible information on the different kinds of belly fat and the surgical options available to help you deal with it. Many people look for ways to shed this stubborn fat, and while lifestyle changes are the first line of defence, surgery can sometimes be an option when these aren’t enough. Anca will guide you through what you need to know about these medical procedures, giving you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health.
When we talk about belly fat, it’s not just one single entity. There’s the kind that you can pinch between your fingers, known as subcutaneous fat, which sits right under your skin. While it may be bothersome, it’s less of a health concern compared to its counterpart, visceral fat. Visceral fat lies deep within your abdomen, enveloping your internal organs. It’s not visible from the outside, but it’s the kind that can significantly affect your health.
Now, why does belly fat accumulate in the first place? It often comes down to your eating habits, how active you are, and your genes. Eating more calories than you burn, especially when it comes to high-fat and sugary foods, can lead to fat accumulation. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the problem. And your genes? They play a role too, as they can influence how your body processes fat and where it tends to store it.
It’s essential to understand these differences and causes because it guides how you can effectively target and manage belly fat.
If you’re worried about belly fat, your GP is a good first point of call. They can assess whether your health might be at risk and if further tests are needed.
During a check-up, your doctor will look at your overall health and measure your waistline. A waist measurement of more than 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is generally considered a risk factor for health problems. They’ll also check your body mass index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height, though it’s not fool proof, especially for muscular builds.
Carrying excess belly fat isn’t just a concern for fitting into your clothes; it has serious implications for your health.
If you’re carrying extra weight around your middle, it’s not too late to take steps to reduce it and improve your health. In some cases, when diet and exercise aren’t enough, surgical options could be considered to help reduce belly fat and these associated health risks.
When diet and exercise don’t yield the results you’re after, you might consider surgical options. These procedures should be seen as a last resort and come with their own set of risks and benefits.
This is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove fat from specific areas of the body—belly included. Anca will make a small incision and inserts a tube to suck out fat cells. It’s not a weight-loss solution but rather a way to reshape certain areas. Recovery can take a few weeks, and you might experience bruising and swelling. While effective, it doesn’t remove visceral fat, the type associated with health risks.
This surgical procedure is different from liposuction. It’s aimed at those who have sagging or loose skin, often after significant weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles. It’s a more extensive operation with a longer recovery period, but the results are more dramatic, giving a flatter and firmer abdomen.
When you’re facing serious health risks due to obesity and have struggled to lose weight through conventional methods, bariatric surgery might be an option. This isn’t just about fat removal; it’s about reducing the size of the stomach to limit food intake and promote weight loss. There are several types, including gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. These are major procedures and typically recommended for those with a high BMI and weight-related health conditions.
Each of these surgeries requires a serious commitment to changing your lifestyle to maintain the results. It’s essential to talk to your surgeon about the risks, the potential benefits, and the recovery process to decide if surgery is the right step for you.
Before looking into surgery, it’s wise to consider non-surgical methods to reduce belly fat. These strategies focus on altering your diet, increasing your physical activity, and adjusting your lifestyle.
By incorporating these non-surgical approaches into your life, you can make a positive impact on reducing belly fat and improving your overall health. These changes require commitment and consistency, but they are the most sustainable way to fight belly fat and keep it off.
Reducing belly fat can be a straightforward process with the right strategies. Here’s a structured approach to help you tackle it effectively.