As you age, muscle strength decreases and visceral fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen. This is also known as a "tadpole belly." Middle-aged and older adults with a tadpole belly are at a higher risk of developing various diseases. Let's learn about the dangers of a tadpole belly and how to prevent it.

 

◇High visceral fat increases the risk of dementia and kidney disease. The "tadpole belly" body shape is a sign of excess visceral fat. Having a lot of visceral fat increases the risk of dementia by up to five times. Fat accumulated in the obese abdomen travels through blood vessels and can block brain blood vessels, or inflammatory substances secreted by fat cells can deform brain blood vessels, leading to dementia. Additionally, fat is involved in producing neurotransmitters and neurons in the brain, and an increase in fat can cause imbalances in these processes, raising the risk of dementia. According to a study by Northwestern University in the United States, people with normal weight but a protruding belly have about a fivefold higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with no abdominal obesity and normal weight, and about a threefold higher risk compared to people who are obese overall.

Tadpole belly also affects kidney function. The risk of kidney disease increases by about 20%. A Dutch study has also reported that a higher waist-hip ratio, indicating abdominal obesity, is associated with decreased kidney function.

 

◇ To prevent a potbelly, it is important to combine strength training with dietary management. Especially as we age and muscle mass decreases, it is advisable to meet the daily recommended intake of protein, which is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, even with small meals. This is because protein is used as the raw material for building muscle. In particular, almonds and avocados are recommended. Almonds are not only high in protein but also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and regular consumption can reduce visceral fat in the body. A study from Pennsylvania State University in the United States also found that participants who ate almonds as a snack experienced reductions in abdominal fat, waist circumference, and improved LDL cholesterol levels compared to those who did not.

 

◇Consuming dried seafood rich in leucine is essential. Leucine, an essential amino acid, helps inhibit protein breakdown and promotes synthesis. It aids in strengthening muscles without increasing abdominal fat. There are also studies showing that consuming leucine improves weakened skeletal muscle protein synthesis. It is better to get leucine from food rather than supplements. It is abundant in dried seafood (dried pollock, anchovies, etc.), tuna, seaweed, and cheese.

Following the daily recommended intake of vitamin B2 and vitamin E is also helpful. The daily recommended intake of vitamin B2 is 1.5 mg for men and 1.2 mg for women. The daily recommended intake of vitamin E is 10 mg for both men and women. Both nutrients are rich in antioxidants.

 

 

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Is it okay to eat dried seafood?

The tadpole belly is really visceral fat.

There is no sign of falling off.

 

Your husband's forehead is also prominent.

I need to pay more attention to side dishes made with dried seafood.