Question

What do you understand by the term central obesity?

Hint:

Central obesity is a critical health concern as it directly affects vital organs and increases the risk of serious diseases.

Answer 1

Central Obesity is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, particularly around the internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. This type of fat is also called visceral fat. Unlike fat stored under the skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat is metabolically active and can secrete various bioactive substances such as cytokines and adipokines that contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance. Central obesity is often measured by waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio and is considered a stronger predictor of health risks than general obesity measured by body mass index (BMI). Individuals with central obesity have a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (like hypertension and coronary artery disease), and certain cancers. Causes of Central Obesity:

• Excess calorie intake with sedentary lifestyle
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal imbalances (such as increased cortisol levels)
• Aging and changes in metabolism

Health Implications: Central obesity leads to increased insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), elevated blood pressure, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which increase the risk of chronic diseases.