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There might just be? We’ve really become focused on ridding ourselves of “Belly Fat” not only to look good, but also because we’ve been told that it will reduce our risk for diseases like: coronary artery disease, diabetes, insulin resistance etc. Research backs it up and I’m not disagreeing with that. However, a recent study by Dr. Samuel Klein of Washington University in St Louis suggests that fat accumulated in the liver (Intrahepatic Fat) may be a better indicator of diseases resulting from metabolic syndrome than belly fat. They don’t really know why some fats accumulate inside the liver in some people more than others, but they do know that the protein (CD36) that controls the transport of fatty acids from the bloodstream to various areas of the body is most likely involved.
Some of the findings that supported this theory are:
- Obese people with the same belly fat volume, but different levels of liver fat had important variations in the markers of metabolic diseases.
- There were no marker differences among the folks with different belly fat volumes and the same level of liver fat.
Therefore, Dr. Klein made his statement that: “We have found that excess fat in the liver, not visceral fat, is a key marker of metabolic dysfunction.”
Dr. Klein also went on to say that there is good news. “Fatty liver disease is completely reversible.”
Who’s at risk? Most but not all fatty liver patients are middle-aged and overweight and the risk factors mostly linked to NASH (Non Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis) are:
- Overweight (Body mass index 25-30)
- Obesity (Body mass index above 30)
- Diabetes
- Elevated triglyceride levels
If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chances are you might not even know it because it doesn’t really produce symptoms on its own. People usually discover they have it when they have medical tests for other reasons. It also can damage your liver for years or even decades without causing any symptoms. So your best bet, as with any disease is PREVENTION. And whether or not you have it, you can follow these 7 easy steps to prevent or reverse your situation.
1.) Get the crap out of your diet! Limit or my preference ELMINATE fast food from your diet altogether. In my opinion it’s addictive NON food anyways.
2.) Get off your BUTT and move. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
3.) Reduce or eliminate refined carbohydrates from sugar, bread, pasta, sugary drinks, cakes, cookies etc.
4.) Increase your intake of fruits and veggies and try to eat more of them raw (at least 50%)
5.) Avoid deep fried, fatty processed foods. Never use margarines and similar type spreads. Organic butter is best.
6.) Limit dairy (except for raw milk), processed cheese especially.
7.) Check the source of your meats, poultry, fish and eggs etc. Go organic if possible and try to choose fully grass fed beef limit chicken and turkey that’s not free range and contains the bad stuff like: growth hormones, antibiotics and steroids etc. (all that crap makes your liver work harder)
There might just be? We’ve really become focused on ridding ourselves of “Belly Fat” not only to look good, but also because we’ve been told that it will reduce our risk for diseases like: coronary artery disease, diabetes, insulin resistance etc. Research backs it up and I’m not disagreeing with that. However, a recent study by Dr. Samuel Klein of Washington University in St Louis suggests that fat accumulated in the liver (Intrahepatic Fat) may be a better indicator of diseases resulting from metabolic syndrome than belly fat. They don’t really know why some fats accumulate inside the liver in some people more than others, but they do know that the protein (CD36) that controls the transport of fatty acids from the bloodstream to various areas of the body is most likely involved.
Nice article Deb and I like the new banner 🙂
wow, great article Deb! Very well written and very informative
@chris – Thanks Chris.
@Eydie – Thanks Eydie. Really appreciate it. So happy you got something out of it.
I hate belly fat.
Good information. John Tesh said that the “IN” thing is pot bellies — Isn’t that crazy?!
Nice new look to the site! Good info Deb.
@Scott – Thanks Scott.
@Tee – Pot bellies Tee? What’s up with that? Are we now trying to glorify the battle of the bulge?