Belly fat, which is also known as visceral fat can be harmful to one’s body. Doctors have linked belly fat with several health conditions that include insulin resistance, heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, and type-2 diabetes. Therefore, losing belly fat has many advantages such as reduced risk of heart diseases, better blood pressure, reduced risk of colorectal cancer, and decreased number of joint problems. Read on to know more about belly fat and ways to reduce it.

What are the major causes of belly fat?
There are some major causes of belly fat:

• Sugary foods and beverages – The daily sugar intake in most people is often high. Some of the common foods that increase the sugar content in the body are cakes, candies, muffins, frozen yogurt, soda, flavored drinks, and tea and coffee with sugar. The fructose content in sugar often leads to excess belly fat.
• Alcohol – Alcohol in moderation doesn’t have a harmful effect on the body; however, this depends on the type and amount of alcohol consumed. For example, the right amount of red wine consumption can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, high alcohol intake not only increases the risk of developing certain diseases but also leads to excess belly fat.
• Trans fats – These fats are used to increase the shelf lives of packaged foods and are considered quite unhealthy. These fats increase inflammation that may lead to insulin resistance, which, in turn, results in accumulation of belly fat.

How much time does it take to lose belly fat?

• The time one takes to lose belly fat depends on ere are multiple factors. Some people may lose their belly fat much faster than others.
• Genetics, certain health conditions, individual body type, diet and lifestyle, the type of exercises and workout are some factors that influence the time one may take to lose belly fat.
• Moreover, if the measures taken to lose belly fat are not effective, one may take more time than usual to lose their belly fat.
• Similarly, if effective diet and lifestyle are followed persistently, one can lose belly fat faster than usual.

What are some effective workouts for losing belly fat?

• Belly crunches – There are many variations to belly crunches one can do to lose excess fat. To do belly crunches, one must lie flat on a mat with their knees bent and feet on the floor. Thereafter, they must lift their upper body toward the knees while making sure the back is straight. A professional supervision is advised for people who are doing this for the first time.
• Planks – Planks not only contribute to losing belly fat but also increase the core strength of the body. Planks too have several variations; however, the basic plank involves assuming the usual push-up position with elbows bent at 90 degrees with forearms lying of the floor. The body must form a straight line parallel to the ground with feet slightly apart and only toes touching the ground.
• Cardiovascular exercises – One of the main reasons people don’t lose their belly fat is because they don’t perform enough cardiovascular exercises. These exercises are known to be one of the most effective forms of exercise to lose belly fat and achieve overall fitness. Some cardio exercises include running, cycling, brisk walking, swimming, circuit training, burpees, squats, and lunges.

Does yoga help in losing belly fat?

• Yoga can prove to be effective for losing belly fat when it’s practiced regularly along with the right diet.
• Yoga poses, when performed daily, are believed to make a person healthy and fit.
• Certain yoga postures like the boat pose, bridge pose, cycles of sun salutation, and camel pose help in losing belly fat.
• One can perform yoga and other exercises along with the right diet in order to lose belly fat naturally and improve the overall health.