Belly fat, especially visceral fat, can affect respiratory health and cause breathing problems. Short- and long-term respiratory issues can result from excess belly fat. Here are several ways belly obesity affects breathing and respiratory health:
Excess belly fat can hinder the diaphragm's mobility, resulting in limited lung expansion during inhalation. Mechanical limitation can cause shallow breathing and lung capacity loss.
Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Fat causes diaphragm compression due to increased pressure. Pressure makes it harder for the diaphragm to descend during inhalation, reducing breathing efficiency.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Pharyngeal Fat Deposits: Excessive throat and neck fat resulting from abdominal obesity can lead to or worsen OSA. Poor sleep quality and daytime weariness result from OSA breathing disruptions.
Inflammation and Respiratory Conditions: - Systemic Inflammation: Abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals. Asthma and COPD can result from persistent inflammation.
Increased Respiratory Infection Risk: Respiratory infections may be more likely due to immune system modulation caused by abdominal obesity. Respiratory infections can worsen lung health.
Diabetes, Respiratory Health: Obesity commonly causes type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can raise the risk of infections and respiratory problems.
To minimize abdominal obesity, overweight people must address lifestyle factors including nutrition and exercise. If symptoms like shortness of breath, snoring, or disrupted sleep occur, medical advice and respiratory health monitoring are essential. Lifestyle changes and medicinal therapies can improve respiratory function and well-being.
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