As we age, the proportion of fat to our body weight tends to increase. Coupled with the typical weight gain that comes with age, this can further exacerbate the fat growth in the body. Typically, this will manifest itself around our stomach area as the dreaded belly fat. This is also why many like to refer to it as the “middle age spread”.
Not only does this look unflattering for our overall silhouette, but fat in our stomach area is also largely visceral. This means it wraps our organs and isn’t easily seen. The accumulation of visceral fat in the abdominal cavity has been linked to metabolic diseases. It also increases one’s risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Belly fat can also be subcutaneous fat. This refers to visible fat stored just under the skin. Subcutaneous fat typically shows up in the lower body and can be grasped with our hand. Though it may be harmless, it is still a form of stubborn fat deposit.
While body fat can be managed via exercise and a strict diet, it does take time to show results. To date, there is also no exercise that can promise spot reduction in fat.
The good news is that these fat cells can be treated with non-surgical devices that will lead to a permanent reduction in fat cells. These treatments can also be precisely targeted at specific areas such as our belly.