Abdominal fat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes II and other degenerative diseases.

Fats in the visceral organs seem to store more harmful cytokines that increase TNF (tissue necrosing factor). These cytokines are messengers of inflammation and increased levels are associated with greatly increased risk of degenerative diseases especially diabetes II, and coronary heart disease.

Good  diet, especially reduction of sugar and refined carbohydrates, is extremely important in stemming the tide of diabetes II and coronary heart disease because of it anti- inflammatory effect. High sugar intake is associated with increased fat storage and inflammation, evidenced by increased levels of cytokines and TNF.

Various studies from around the world have shown a direct connection between the diameter of  individual’s waist and his or her risk of developing diabetes. Japanese researchers found that visceral adipose tissue (abdominal fat) is closely associated with diabetes, high blood pressure and increased cytokines.  Source: Acta Diabetol o4:41 (3): 113-117

Swedish resarchers have found the correlation of diabetes and belly fat. Measuring waist diameter is used as a measure of insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk and the presence of diabetes II.

A study in the U.S.A. on 27,270 men over a 13 year period compared waist circumference and diabetes risk.  A direct relationship of belly fat and diabetes was found.

The American study was divided into 5 groups.  Those with waist sizes of 29 to 34 inches had the lowest risk.  The other 4 groups had increases of waist sizes, incremental risk according to the waist size measured.  Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 05;81 (3):  555-563…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.