http://www.prlog.org/10342903-muffin-top-nation.jpg
The photo above is of something that has become a common site in America. So much so that the website that featured it is online soley to praise the phenomenon and allow people to show pride in thier "excess". We should all have a healthy, positive body image no matter what our size but for health reasons we need to also be realistic of the risks it creates.
We live in such a fast pace world and all of us have such hectic lives it is no wonder we are in constant stress. When the body is in a state of constant stress it doesn't destinguish between physical, emotional or mental-it all sends masseges to the brain that say "prepare for war!". Hormones and chemicals in the body ramp up their production in the process of preparing you for running for your life, fighting, starvation......responses to all the extremes a person could face. One of those hormones is cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone because it increases blood sugar to make you quicker moving and thinking when in survival mode. Unfortunately, when in overdrive, it can also negatively affect other systems such as the digestive and immune.
That additional blood sugar (glucose) is not used up and instead is stored mostly around the midsection. We all know that added weight is bad for our health but this particular placement of extra pound could cause more serious problems than just an unsightly overhang at the waistline!
Heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues (including sleep apnea) and acid reflux are at an increased risk for occuring in those with more abdominal fat. Why is it that fat in this area is of more concern than say the butt or thighs? It's called visceral fat and it not only hangs over the belt loops of your jeans but surrounds your internal organs causing them to have to work harder.
The most frustrating part and why so many people have it despite attempts to rid themselves of it is because this excess is a result of your body's attempt to protect you from perceived danger. This kind of fat really does "stick" to you!
How to measure your 'risk': Waist-to-Hip ratio. After measuring your waist, measure your hips at their widest point (usually around your buttocks), then divide your waist size by your hip size. Women with a ratio over 0.85 and men with a ratio over 0.95 have enough abdominal fat to raise their risk of obesity-related diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes—even if their BMI is in a healthy range.
http://health.walgreens.com/diet-and-fitness/articles/Big-Belly--Big-Problem-The-Dangers-of-Belly-Fat/576
There is no quick or easy solution to muffin top. The formula is excercise+healthy diet+portion control+stress reduction+adequate sleep=shrinking midsection!
At the link below is a time saving workout I found that I'm going to try myself!
How to lose the muffin top
http://www.fatlossbyeatingwhatuwant.com/fat-loss/how-to-lose-your-muffin-top
