Aberrant belly fat: Definition, causes, and remedies
Truncal obesity, characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat around a person's center, such as the stomach and abdomen, can pose a higher risk than other types of obesity. This condition is best diagnosed using the waist-to-height ratio or raised waist circumference measurements. For males, a waist-to-height ratio of 0.9 or greater, and for females, a ratio of 0.85 or greater, indicate truncal obesity.
Truncal obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, chronic diseases, and health complications such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death. Certain medical conditions like Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism, PCOS, low testosterone, and high estrogen levels may also lead to truncal obesity.
In managing truncal obesity, a balanced diet plays a crucial role. Eating from various food groups to ensure adequate nutrient intake, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and so on, is essential. However, no specific diet can target truncal obesity directly. Regular exercise is also vital for achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, but no particular exercise or exercise regime can specifically target truncal obesity.
Beyond diet and exercise, specific treatment options for truncal obesity include pharmacotherapy (weight loss medications), bariatric surgery, body contouring surgery after significant weight loss, and non-surgical fat reduction.
Pharmacotherapy, or the use of medications such as phentermine, liraglutide, lorcaserin, orlistat, and combinations like phentermine/topiramate, can aid weight loss, including in patients with truncal obesity. Topiramate has shown a relatively higher success rate in achieving more than 10% weight loss. These drugs can be added especially in cases of weight regain or plateau after initial weight loss.
Bariatric surgery, including procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are highly effective for substantial and sustained weight loss in obese patients. Surgery results in durable improvements in obesity-related conditions and can improve truncal fat accumulation.
Body contouring surgery after significant weight loss, such as fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and circumferential body lift, are surgical options for addressing excess skin and residual fat in the trunk area.
Non-surgical fat reduction, like CoolSculpting, is a non-invasive option that freezes and reduces subcutaneous fat in areas such as the waistline. However, it targets only subcutaneous fat, not the deeper visceral fat associated with health risks in truncal obesity.
Regular alcohol consumption could contribute to truncal obesity, even among adults within a healthy BMI range. Ultra-processed foods may also increase the chance of developing truncal obesity. Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and steroids, can cause truncal obesity as a side effect.
If a person is concerned about truncal obesity or wants advice on how to manage it, they should speak with a healthcare professional. Multiple options exist for managing truncal obesity, both surgical and nonsurgical. Surgical treatment options for truncal obesity include liposuction, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. People with a BMI score within the healthy range but have truncal obesity are at equal or higher risk than those with truncal obesity and a BMI score within the overweight or obesity range. It's best for a healthcare professional to measure waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference to ensure an accurate diagnosis of truncal obesity.
- The waist-to-height ratio and raised waist circumference measurements are useful for diagnosing truncal obesity.
- Managing truncal obesity involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, and in some cases, medical intervention.
- Pharmacotherapy can aid weight loss, including for patients with truncal obesity, and include drugs like phentermine, liraglutide, orlistat, and combinations like phentermine/topiramate.
- Surgical treatment options for truncal obesity exist, such as liposuction, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy, and are not limited to people with a BMI score within the obesity or overweight range.
