“Abdominal or visceral fat is very different from subcutaneous fat, which can for example be located on the buttocks”, explains Dr. Malavazos
It’s easy to say grasso, but not all fat is the same. What it focuses on belly, the so-called visceral or abdominal fat, it is very different from subcutaneous fat, which accumulates for example in the buttocks. But why? “The excess of adipose tissue at the viscero-abdominal level is associated with a metabolic dysregulation and a greater risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This fat is what lines vital organs such as the heart, liver and pancreas. Consequently, if it is in excess, it produces pro-inflammatory molecules (adipocytokines) which create a mild but chronic state of inflammation “, explains Dr. Alexis Elias Malavazos, endocrinologist, head of the Clinical Nutrition and Prevention Unit to Gazzetta Active. Cardiovascular of the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato.
What about subcutaneous fat instead?
“The subcutaneous adipose tissue is made up of cells that do not produce any pro-inflammatory molecule, but serves only as a reserve of triglycerides, an energy reserve”.
Since it creates a state of chronic inflammation, visceral fat can be a risk factor also for tumors, as well as for cardiometabolic pathologies?
“Yup. The Red string which unites cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies, tumors and obesity is precisely inflammation ”.
So visceral adipose tissue increases the risk of Covid-19 disease severity?
“Exact. Patients with obesity – which has been shown to be an independent risk factor in addition to diabetes, hypertension and cancer – are already hyper-inflamed patients with a depressed immune system, because inflammation depresses the immune system in the long run. . The virus creates acute inflammation, and if this happens in a patient already in a state of inflammation, it leads to super-inflammation, which causes a greater risk “.
Is diet or physical activity more important to combat visceral fat?
“Both are important, but I would put them first aerobic physical activity done every day for at least half an hour in a row. This creates one anti-inflammatory action. Immediately after, a correct, balanced and environmentally sustainable diet follows, with the introduction of vegetable proteins such as legumes and an increased intake of fiber. This type of diet allows to reduce visceral fat and has an anti-inflammatory action. But constant aerobic physical activity is essential ”.
Can a low-glucose diet be useful in this regard?
“Not exactly. In the daily diet at least 50 percent of the calories must come from complex carbohydrates or complex sugars, non simple (such as those added in packaged products). In fact, complex carbohydrates are released slowly, without creating glycemic peaks. Then there is a 25-30 percent share of the daily requirement that must come from fat, preferably from vegetable or fish sources, such as omega 3 and omega 6. The remaining 15 percent must come from proteins. Also in this case it is good that there is an important part of vegetable proteins such as legumes, also because the quantity of fiber useful to reduce the metabolic and cardiovascular risk is 25-30 grams per day. And it is not easy to reach it exclusively through fruit and vegetables, even if these, of course, must be eaten regularly. The advice is to introduce the legumes at least three times a week, even peeled if they are difficult to digest. With the fiber, among other things, it lowers the glycemic index, since this helps to absorb sugar more slowly and less in the intestine. And this too is useful for reducing cardiometabolic risks ”.
Follow us on our social channels!
–
01 February 2021 (change 01 February 2021 | 09:05)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED
–
