Visceral fat is considered the most dangerous kind of fat, as it invades vital organs and compromises optimal function. Individuals with higher amounts of visceral fat are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
According to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, regular exercise can keep visceral fat at bay. The 97 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: aerobic training, resistance training, or no exercise. They were also placed on a 800 calorie a day diet and lost a average of 24 pounds.
Participants in the exercise group were asked to continue exercising 40 minutes twice a week for 1 year. Researchers found that those who continued exercising despite modest weight regains, regained 0% visceral fat a year after they lost the weight, states Gary Hunter PhD. Those who stopped exercising, and those who weren’t on a exercise regime at all averaged approximately 33% increase in visceral fat.
Take home message- A small amount exercise facilitates valuable health benefits and prevents life altering chronic diseases .