Here is a fact that no one would have told you! If you experience chronic pain in your muscles or joints, reducing abdominal fat may offer much-needed relief. A recent study has linked persistent musculoskeletal pain, particularly in women, to excess belly fat. This type of pain, which affects the bones, muscles, and joints, can be exacerbated not just by aging or injuries but also by abdominal obesity.Here is all you need to know about the connection between abdominal fat and persistent pain, along with some easy methods for decreasing it.

How belly fat contributes to chronic pain

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine shared research showing a strong correlation between musculoskeletal pain and abdominal obesity. The study, which examined data from more than 32,000 participants, discovered that the likelihood of developing chronic discomfort increased with the amount of fat that individuals had around their stomachs. This relationship was particularly evident in women, who were reported to experience pain twice as frequently as men.
The pancreas, liver, and intestines are among the critical organs covered in visceral fat, or body fat that surrounds the belly. When this fat accumulates, it may lead to inflammation throughout the body. That inflammation then affects the neurological system and increases pain sensitivity in humans. This simply means that having a large amount of abdominal fat can increase the risk of experiencing pain in several body parts, like your neck, shoulders, or back.

Why women are more affected

As per the study, women are more likely than males to feel pain from belly fat. This could be due to the various ways that fat is distributed in the sexes. Women gain excess belly fat due to hormonal swings, especially after menopause. They are therefore more susceptible to the negative effects of abdominal fat on persistent discomfort.

Simple ways to reduce belly fat

There is a piece of good news here! Despite the alarming connection between pain and belly fat, reducing belly fat is doable with a few easy lifestyle adjustments. By focusing on improved behaviours, we can minimise our risk of acquiring chronic pain and enhance our overall health. Here are some rapid and effective ways to get started:

Increasing your intake of protein

Protein speeds up our metabolism and makes us feel full for a longer period of time. As a result, losing weight becomes easier. Over time, adding high-protein foods into meals—like tofu, chicken, and eggs—can help us in the reduction of belly fat.

Continuing to move throughout the day

Exercise regularly is essential for reducing belly fat. Focus on exercises that target your abs, such as planks, crunches, and leg lifts. Walking, running, and cycling are exercises that burn fat on the whole body, including the fat around the belly.

Reject all sugar and processed carbohydrates

Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, particularly in the belly area. Reducing your intake of processed foods, white bread, and sugary drinks might help you begin burning fat more effectively.

Effectively managing stress

Chronic stress can have the unintended consequence of weight increase, particularly around the midsection. Stress raises cortisol levels, which leads to the body storing excess fat in the abdomen. By engaging in relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, we can better manage our stress levels.