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Although eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can be a challenge, the effort is worth it: Losing excess weight is often good for your overall health. And when that weight is located in your midsection, the loss can have added benefits.
That’s because much of the fat that gathers around your waist is visceral fat, or fat located deep inside your body. It’s different from subcutaneous fat, or fat found just under the skin. Visceral fat envelops your organs, raising the risk of chronic disease.
"It's the idea of where belly fat is located that makes it 'bad,'” says Frances Silva, MS, a registered nutritionist and dietitian in Texas. “Belly fat accumulating around your organs can increase your chances of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes."
Learn how addressing extra weight around your stomach—and in general—can improve your health.
Sources: Mayo Clinic. Belly fat in women: Taking ... + 16
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