Six Pack Abs and Belly Fat  

Six-pack abs aren't just about vanity; they're a sign of a healthy body. That's because the fat that settles around your belly secretes substances known as adipokines, which raise your risk of disease. In fact, the larger your midsection grows, the more dangerous it becomes. Here's what your belly fat is producing right now.

 

Resistin

A hormone that leads to high blood sugar, an independent risk factor for diabetes and heart disease

 

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor

A substance that contributes to the formation of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes

 

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

A chemical that causes arterial inflammation, which can trigger pieces of plaque to break off arterial walls and block the flow of blood to your heart

 

Angiotensin

A compound that raises blood pressure

 

Adiponectin

An anti-inflammatory compound that helps counteract the effects of IL-6. Unfortunately, as your fat cells grow larger, the amount of adiponectin they secrete actually decreases.

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