Obesity is a major issue facing the world today, partly due to changes in people's habits and traditions, as luxury has led people to spend long hours in offices, drive cars, and relax at home. The shift in eating patterns towards Western foods and fast food, which are high in calories and contain large amounts of fat and sugar, has also contributed to the exacerbation of this problem. The accumulation of fat around the abdomen not only negatively affects the external appearance, but also poses a major health risk directly related to heart health. Increased visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs, may increase the risk of heart disease in addition to other health problems, which we will discuss in detail in our topic today on the  Dalili Medical website.

**What is abdominal obesity?**

 

Obesity in the middle area of ​​the body, also known as apple-shaped obesity, refers to the accumulation of fat in the abdomen and waist area. Fat accumulated in this area is more dangerous than that found in the buttocks area, as it is associated with a number of health problems.

**How ​​can you tell if you have midsection obesity?**

 

You can determine the location of fat in your body by measuring your waist circumference compared to your hip circumference. If the waist-to-hip ratio exceeds 1.0 for men or 0.9 for women, this indicates that you have midsection obesity. Another measure is waist circumference: if it exceeds 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women, this means that the person may be at risk for a group of health complications known as metabolic syndrome, which includes indicators such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the body’s failure to respond well to insulin. All of these indicators may lead to an increased risk of diabetes and heart health problems.

Which option is better: liposuction or tummy tuck?

 

When considering body sculpting procedures, two main options often come to mind: liposuction and tummy tuck. The question that arises after deciding on one of these two procedures is: “Which one is better?” It is important to understand that the concept of “best” may vary from person to person, as the ideal choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and health conditions. Here is an objective comparison to help you make an informed decision:

**Liposuction:**

- **Objectives:** Removal of localized fat in specific areas of the body.

- **For whom:** Suitable for people with good skin elasticity and who want to reduce stubborn fat without significant sagging skin.

**Tummy Tuck:**

- **Objectives:** Removal of excess skin and fat, and tightening of abdominal muscles.

- **For whom:** It is the ideal choice for people with sagging or drooping skin, such as those who have lost a lot of weight or have experienced pregnancy.

Conditions that tummy tuck does not treat

Some people believe that tummy tuck is the ideal solution to get rid of all the problems in this area, but there are some issues that this procedure cannot treat, such as:

- Sagging skin.

- Cellulite in the abdominal area.

- Severe obesity, as this process is not considered an alternative to exercise or following a healthy diet to lose weight.

**Conditions for performing abdominal liposuction**

 

There are a set of conditions that must be met by the person wishing to undergo abdominal liposuction, the most prominent of which are:

1. The person must be 18 years old or older, as the skin is in good and flexible condition, which makes it easy to deal with during the operation.

2. The person must be in good health and not suffer from any diseases that may hinder the operation.

3. To be in a stable psychological state and not suffer from depression, as the psychological state plays an important role in the success of such operations.

4. The accumulated fat in the abdominal area must not be reduced through exercise or following a healthy diet.

5. The person's weight gain must not exceed 30% of his normal weight.

**Steps of the operation**

The anesthesia process is performed under the supervision of a doctor, and the anesthesia can be either local or general, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the duration of the operation.

Before starting the abdominal liposuction procedure, the doctor draws lines and marks on the surface of the skin to determine the targeted areas.

Then the doctor inserts fine tubes through small holes in the skin to suck the fat, moving the tubes under the skin towards the targeted areas to remove the accumulated layers of fat.

After completion, the doctor closes the surgical incision using fine medical threads that dissolve in the skin, which means that they do not need to be removed manually.

The procedure usually takes from two to three hours, depending on the amount of fat to be removed.

**Side effects and possible complications of abdominal liposuction**

 

Abdominal liposuction is considered a safe procedure thanks to continuous medical progress and the experience of the specialized surgeon. However, like any surgical procedure, there is a small possibility of some complications, including:

- The patient may feel numbness or tingling in the areas of the procedure, which is common and temporary.

- The skin may appear uneven or wavy after surgery due to its lack of elasticity or insufficient fat removal, which may require a skin tightening procedure.

- In some cases, fluid may accumulate under the skin, requiring a visit to the doctor to remove it.

- If there is an imbalance in the fluid level in the body during the operation, whether when injecting or suctioning fluids, this may lead to heart or kidney problems.

- If an error occurs during the operation, some fat may leak into the lungs, which may cause partial or complete blockage, which poses a risk to the patient's health.

**Types of belly**

The shapes and types of fat in the abdominal area vary based on their causes and locations of appearance. Among these types are

**Stress belly:** Stressed-out belly fat accumulates in the upper abdomen, just under the ribs, and may appear flabby or sagging when sitting. This type often causes a feeling of discomfort or shortness of breath, and is caused by stress and lack of sleep, as fatigue negatively affects the body's metabolic rates. Stress also leads to the secretion of the hormone cortisol, which promotes the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.

**Gradual belly:** Tiered belly fat consists of two layers of fat, the first layer in the upper abdomen, while the other is near the navel. This type is often caused by unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, in addition to alcohol consumption and smoking.

**Mommy's belly:** Mommy's belly fat is considered one of the common types of abdominal fat in women after pregnancy and childbirth, and usually appears in the form of sagging skin.

**Bloated Belly:** Bloated belly appears suddenly, unlike other types of belly fat that accumulate gradually. This belly occurs as a result of the accumulation of gases and fluids in the digestive system. The affected person suffers from an increase in abdominal circumference, a sudden feeling of fullness, and tightness in the abdominal area, as the stomach takes a circular shape and extends outward.

**Beer or Wine Belly:** Beer or Wine Belly is known to be the result of excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, as alcohol leads to increased production of visceral fat that accumulates on the walls of the abdomen.

**Muffin Top Belly Fat:** Muffin Top Belly Fat is called this name because the fat accumulates on the sides of the lower abdomen in a way that resembles the edges of a muffin. It is also known as hormonal belly fat, as it often results from hormonal problems such as insulin resistance or polycystic ovary syndrome. Fat accumulation often occurs suddenly for no apparent reason.

**Criteria for diagnosing abdominal obesity**

 

Abdominal obesity can be diagnosed by measuring waist circumference instead of relying on traditional measurements, as these criteria vary by nationality. Obesity is diagnosed if two or more of the following four risk factors are detected:

1. Blood pressure 130/85 mmHg or higher.

2. Blood triglyceride level exceeds 150 mg/dL.

3. Blood sugar level exceeds 100 mg/dL (fasting plasma glucose greater than 100 mg/dL).

4. Good cholesterol level (high-density lipoprotein - HDL) less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.

**How ​​to measure abdominal obesity**

 

Abdominal obesity is measured while standing upright and after exhaling. It is preferable to measure in the morning before eating. Waist circumference is measured at the midpoint between the lower edge of the last rib and the highest point of the hip bone (iliac crest). Waist circumference is related to body mass index (BMI) and is an effective tool for predicting the risk of obesity complications.

In Southeast Asian countries and China, values ​​greater than 90 cm (36 inches) for men and 80 cm (32 inches) for women are considered obese. In the Americas, values ​​greater than 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women are used. In Europe, values ​​greater than 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women are considered obese.

**Dangers of Belly Fat**

Belly fat is a factor that carries many health risks for both men and women. The following are the most prominent risks associated with having belly fat:

**. Diabetes** The fat cells in the abdominal area are active cells, as they negatively affect the surrounding organs and also affect the balance of hormones in the body. Studies have shown that these cells contribute to the production of chemicals that hinder the ability of cells to absorb insulin, which over time leads to high blood glucose levels, thus increasing the risk of diabetes, especially type 2.

**. Heart and circulatory system diseases ** The close relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases is no secret. Abdominal fat can increase the likelihood of developing a number of diseases and health problems, including:

Problems in the left ventricle that may lead to heart failure.

High blood pressure.

Clots and heart attacks.

As for dementia, although the main cause of this disease is still scientifically unknown, there are several factors that may increase the likelihood of developing it in general, including obesity in the abdominal area.

The fat accumulated in the abdominal area is considered inflammatory tissue by nature, and inflammation is known to affect mental abilities, which increases the risk of cognitive and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

**Cancer** Among the damages caused by belly fat in women, it is noted that it is linked to some types of cancer, as follows:

According to one study, it was found that increased abdominal fat may double the chances of developing colon and rectal cancer.

In another study, it was observed that the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area increases the risk of breast cancer.

**Type 2 diabetes** Some scientific research has shown that the accumulation of relatively large amounts of visceral fat in adults, i.e. fat in the abdominal area, may lead to a reduction in the body's sensitivity to insulin.

When the body's ability to respond properly to insulin, which is supposed to help lower and regulate blood sugar levels, decreases, this may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes over time.

As for sleep apnea, one of the damages associated with being overweight, whether for women or men, is the increased risk of developing this condition. This risk is associated with the accumulation of fat in theAbdominal area, where this fat affects:

- The ability of the diaphragm to move freely.

- The ability of the lungs to expand freely during breathing.

**Circulatory system diseases**Abdominal fat is one of the factors that may increase the risk of circulatory system problems in both women and men. Visceral fat contributes to the production of:

- **Cytokines**, which are chemicals that may stimulate inflammation, which increases the likelihood of heart disease such as coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

- **Fatty acids** may lead to increased production of harmful cholesterol, while reducing levels of good cholesterol in the body, which increases the risk of a heart attack.

- **Other substances** may negatively affect the blood's ability to clot normally, which may lead to high blood pressure.

Ways to get rid of belly fat**

There are many ways to get rid of fat, including surgical and non-surgical options:

. **Vacuum liposuction**: This is a traditional surgical procedure, where special metal tubes are used to suck out excess fat and remove fat cells from the body. One of the most prominent advantages of this procedure is the ability to remove large amounts of fat, up to 3-4 kg.

. **Laser operations**: This method is modern, where a laser beam is used as a means of breaking down fat. These operations require high surgical expertise, as there is a risk of burns to surrounding tissues and internal organs, in addition to the possibility of skin burns with subsequent scars.

. **Vaser**: This technique relies on the use of ultrasound waves to affect the accumulated fat in the abdominal area. This method can allow the removal of up to 5-6 kg of fat in one session, but caution must be exercised, as removing large amounts of fat can be dangerous.

. **Radiofrequency**: This method relies on destroying fat using radio frequencies or alternating electric current.

**Removing fat from the abdominal area without the need for surgery, using laser or ultrasound techniques. The device is applied to the target area without the need for needles or incisions, as the dissolved fat is eliminated through the lymphatic system and blood. Both surgery and non-surgical body shaping have a number of advantages and disadvantages, and have special indications and contraindications, which requires a comprehensive examination of the patient. The cost of tummy tuck and liposuction procedures depends on the complexity of the method used, its safety, and the amount of correction required.

Tips for getting rid of belly fat in women**

 

After learning about the various causes of belly fat in women, here are the most important tips for getting rid of it based on those reasons:

1. It is necessary to know the appropriate amount of calories for your body daily and adhere to it, taking into account the age group and weight.

2. It is preferable to follow a healthy diet free of unhealthy fats and fatty foods, and to focus on healthy and low-calorie foods.

3. You should exercise regularly every day, focusing on abdominal exercises to reduce the accumulation of fat in this area.

4. It is important to get enough sleep at night, as staying up late negatively affects the body's functions.

5. It is recommended to follow a healthy diet during pregnancy, and to start exercising after giving birth.

6. It is recommended that women breastfeed their baby after giving birth, as this process helps the body regain its weight faster. It is also preferable to avoid stress and tension.

**Exercises to burn belly fat**

 

Exercise is one of the best ways to get rid of belly fat, as it includes a variety of exercises that target all the muscles of the body and not just the abdominal area. The most prominent of these exercises are:

1. **Aerobic exercises**Practicing moderate-intensity aerobic exercises for five days a week, equivalent to 150 minutes, or high-intensity aerobic exercises for three days at a rate of 70 minutes per week, is effective in burning visceral fat in the abdominal area and helping to lose weight. These exercises contribute to burning a large number of calories, increasing muscle mass, and reducing waist circumference.

Examples of aerobic exercises include:

- Cycling

- Swimming

- Jogging

- Rowing

- Running

**Abdominal exercises** Exercises that directly target the abdominal muscles help strengthen these muscles and get rid of visceral fat in the abdominal area, where fat accumulates in the waist and stomach area. Among the useful abdominal exercises are:

- Abdominal crunches.

- Cycling.

- Plank.

- Leg raises.

**Resistance exercises** Resistance exercises target the body's muscles and help burn visceral fat, which contributes to weight loss. Also, enhancing muscle strength increases the rate of fat burning.

Among the available resistance exercises are:

- Lifting weights

- Push-ups

- Lunges

- Squats

- Triceps kickbacks

- Lunges HIIT is a type of high-intensity interval training, which includes short periods of intense activity interspersed with periods of less intense movements and rest periods. These exercises can be repeated several times, up to 10 cycles.

For example, you can do 30 seconds of intense activity followed by 30 seconds of rest before moving on to the next activity, and this pattern can be repeated several times. Common HIIT exercises include:

- Squats with jumps.

- Push and pull.

- Jump rope.

- Jumping jacks.