What is abdominal obesity?

Abdominal obesity is the accumulation of fatty tissue in the abdominal area. Abdominal obesity may be defined as excess deposits of fat in the abdominal region.

It can be associated with fatty internal organs and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you wish to estimate your risk of disease, reach for a tailor’s tape measure and check that your waist circumference is correct.

Abdominal obesity is indicated by a waist circumference of at least 80 cm for women and 94 cm for men.

In order to assess whether you are of the femoral-abdominal (gynoid, peripheral) or abdominal (visceral, central) obesity type, you still need to calculate the so-called WHR index (waist-to-hip ratio). This is the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference, which is a much more precise indicator. WHR is determined by a simple operation: WHR= waist circumference [cm] ∶ hip circumference [cm]. In women, a WHR above 0.8 indicates apple-type obesity; in men, the cut-off value is higher at 1.0.

If you’d like to know more or have a personalised consultation with one of our specialists, contact us anytime.

Is abdominal obesity dangerous?

Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem but also, to a greater extent, a serious health and metabolic problem. For this reason, it is classified as a chronic non-communicable disease with no tendency to resolve itself, which means that, like any other disease, it should be correctly diagnosed and then treated.

From a medical point of view, abdominal-type obesity appears to be the most dangerous form. If no action is taken to treat it, it is associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease.

The most serious consequences of abdominal obesity include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol disorders, and increased risk of cancer, including oesophageal and gullet adenocarcinoma, pancreatic and gallbladder cancer, and colorectal cancer.

How to get rid of abdominal obesity?

In order to get rid of or reduce abdominal obesity, it is necessary to follow a suitable diet that reduces the calorific values of the diet consumed so far to about 500-1000 kcal, which will allow a gradual reduction in excessive fat tissue. It is also advisable to eat 4-5 small meals at regular intervals; the addition of fresh vegetables and fruit to each meal in such a way, replacing white flour products, highly processed – with whole grain bread, coarse groats, natural cereals, natural rice, taking care of adequate hydration (min. 1.5 litres of clean water for women and 2 litres for men), consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseed, oily sea fish), which have anti-inflammatory properties (obesity is associated with systemic inflammation), avoidance of sweets, salty snacks, alcohol, and smoking.

In order to lose weight, a calorie deficit should be maintained. It is advisable to seek the help of a specialist – a dietician.

The basis of obesity treatment is a change in lifestyle. In addition to diet, appropriate physical activity is important – it does not have to be intensive training, but the most important thing is to exercise regularly.

A healthy adult under 65 years of age should ensure 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity (interchangeable with 75 minutes of intensive physical activity), doing resistance exercises 2-3 times a week to strengthen muscles.

Patients who suffer from obesity in particular should follow the above recommendations. With a high degree of obesity, activities that do not overload the joints are recommended: swimming, aqua aerobics, walking, marching, Nordic walking, and cycling. Patients who feel up to it and are looking for more intensive exercise can opt for dancing or exercise with instruments.

When all the treatments mentioned above for obesity, including abdominal obesity, fail, the doctor may consider bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery which is a stable and sustainable method for treating obesity. Bariatric surgery, generally speaking, involves reducing the volume of the stomach. Bariatric surgery is recommended for people who have been trying unsuccessfully to lose weight by applying appropriate diet and exercise. Surgical treatment of obesity, like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or endoscopic sleeve is highly effective support for obesity patients and most patients end up losing significant excess of their weight.

The battle against obesity, including abdominal obesity, can be a demanding process. KCM Clinic would like to support patients not only through the above patient blog but also through professional medical assistance. If you do not know how to check your organism’s condition, are starting to experience health problems, or are trying to lose weight without success, book a consultation at our clinic. Highly specialized doctors and diagnosticians are waiting to help you regain or improve your health!