That little extra “belly” is a health risk

Part of the solution!

If you’re like many adults over age 50, you’re carrying a few extra pounds around the middle.

In fact, if you’ve gone up a pant size, it’s almost a given–accepted as an inevitable part of getting older.  

But it’s reason to be concerned, researchers now say. Because even a slight increase in belly fat can damage the endothelial cells–the cells that line your blood vessels. That’s according to a study published in the August 17th issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The endothelial cells control the ability of the blood vessel to dilate.  They enable blood flow. When they can’t function properly, that’s often considered part of the beginning stages of cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, it takes a gain of as little as ten pounds of abdominal fat to cause damage.

What’s also scary–blood vessel damage may occur even if you don’t experience changes in blood pressure or heart rate, the researchers found. So you may get the “thumbs up” from your doctor on these two counts, but still have blood vessel damage that, over time, may lead to chronic disease!

Thank goodness there’s some good news…

When people lose this extra weight, endothelial function returns to normal.

So keep enjoying the healthy meals and keep on exercising.

Ten pounds may not seem like a lot, but in the wrong place on your body, it can take a toll.