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Belly fat and your hunger
According to a new study undertaken by researchers at the University of Western Ontario,it has been found that belly fat (not just the brain as previously thought) secretes the most potent appetite stimulating hormone known called Neuropeptide Y (NPY). Moreover, according to the same study scientists have also come to the conclusion, NPY does not just increase your hunger, but it can also increase the number of fat cells in your body by kick-starting the "assembly line" of fat cell precursors .
This fascinating discovery may lead to a vicious cycle as pointed out by the lead researcher, Dr. Yaiping Yang. He stated that the hormone causes you to eat more and by eating more the extra calories are then deposited in your belly, which in turn produces more of the hormone. The results of previous studies indicate that a higher NPY levels are associated with higher calorie intakes and less physical activity.
Belly fat,especially the deep internal type called visceral fat, is one of the hottest topics in medicine,nutrition and health these days, because doctors are learning more and more about its connection to chronic inflammation (a trigger for disease and aging) and longevity. For years we've known that abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,heart disease and reducing belly fat is protective.
The surgical removal of visceral ,fat in mice, reversed insulin resistance (a condition in which insulin isn't working properly, so both blood insulin levels and blood sugar stay high - this increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease). Unlike the subcutaneous fat that's just under our skin, deep belly fat can't be liposuctioned out, so the only way to reduce it is good old-fashioned lifestyle changes – eating more healthfully, and being more active.
A flat Belly Diet must include a well-timed calorie controlled meals made from veggies, fruits,whole grains, lean proteins, and yummy MUFAs, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and consistently being active.
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