Belly fat (visceral obesity) is considered to have a fundamental role in the simultaneous development of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), high cholesterol/triglycerides (hyperlipidemia), and high blood pressure (hypertension). When clustered together these disorders are referred to as the metabolic syndrome. This syndrome results in a significant increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies indicate visceral obesity, the accumulation of belly fat (adipose tissue) is the main cause of metabolic syndrome.
Adipose (fat) tissue is a major endocrine organ that secrets a variety of bioactive substances termed adipocytokines. Accumulated visceral adipose (fat) tissue produce and secrete a number of adipocytokines, such as the hormone leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, angiotensinogen, and free fatty acids which contribute to the development of hypertension. The connection between visceral obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the development of hypertension is related in the next three overviews.
Keep in mind for individuals with excess belly fat and those who are overweight, weight loss will lessen the activity of the bioactive substances that contribute to the development of hypertension.
Sources:
A high-fat, refined-carbohydrate diet induces endothelial dysfunction and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and depresses NOS protein expression.
Roberts CK, Barnard RJ, Sindhu RK
J Appl Physiol 2005, 98:203-210.
The underlying mechanisms for the development of hypertension in the metabolic syndrome.
Hidekatsu Yana, Yoshiharu Tomona
Nutrition Journal 2008
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