BACK
HEALTHSEP 16, 2024

People Who Exercise Have Healthier Belly Fat, Study Finds

A PIECE BYM. BRANDI
SHARE:
article header
Health
According to University of Michigan researcher Jeff Horowitz, exercise helps reduce inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity in belly fat, making it healthier and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that regular exercise not only reduces belly fat but also makes it healthier. Researchers found that while people who exercise may not necessarily lose visible belly fat, the quality of their fat changes, improving their overall metabolic health.

The Study: How Exercise Changes Belly Fat

The study, led by Jeff Horowitz, a professor of movement science at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology, examined two groups of individuals with similar body fat percentages—one group that exercised regularly and another that led a sedentary lifestyle. Surprisingly, both groups had similar amounts of belly fat.

“On appearance they looked very similar. They had the same amount of body fat. They carried their body fat in the same manner. They were the same weight,” says Horowitz. Despite the similarities, those who exercised had healthier belly fat, indicating that exercise can improve the quality of fat tissue even if the quantity remains unchanged.

Key Findings:

Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Exercise improved how belly fat responded to insulin, helping reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reduced Inflammation: Belly fat in active individuals produced fewer inflammatory markers, reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases associated with obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Better Fat Metabolism: Exercise enhanced fat oxidation, meaning the body more efficiently used fat for energy.

Why Healthier Belly Fat Matters

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is closely linked to serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, this new study highlights that regular exercise can transform visceral fat into a healthier, less harmful form. While the quantity of fat may not decrease, its improved metabolic profile can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Types of Exercise and Belly Fat Quality

The study analyzed the effects of different types of exercise, such as aerobic workouts, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The research found that all forms of exercise positively impacted belly fat, although aerobic and HIIT workouts led to the greatest improvements in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Practical Tips for Healthier Belly Fat

If you're looking to improve the health of your belly fat, here are some tips:

Incorporate Aerobic Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, running, or cycling.

Add Resistance Training: Engage in strength training exercises twice a week to boost fat metabolism and increase muscle mass.

Try HIIT Workouts: High-intensity interval training can significantly improve belly fat quality in a short period.

Consistency is Key: The benefits of exercise on belly fat take time, so maintaining a regular workout routine is crucial for long-term health benefits.

Conclusion

The research shows that improving belly fat quality through regular exercise can have a profound impact on overall health, even without visible fat loss. By transforming harmful visceral fat into a healthier form, exercise offers a powerful way to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases and improve long-term health outcomes.

Reference:


Related Articles

Cover Image
HEALTHFEB 02, 2025

Fluctuating Cholesterol Linked to 60% Higher Dementia Risk

A new study finds that fluctuating cholesterol levels—independent of absolute values—are linked to a 60% higher risk of dementia. Learn how cholesterol variability may impact brain health, the possible biological mechanisms behind this link.

profile
Sopera JasmineAUTHOR
Cover Image
HEALTHJAN 30, 2025

Breakthrough Cholesterol Therapy Could Replace Statins

A groundbreaking study in Communications Biology reveals a new cholesterol-lowering therapy that may provide a safer, more effective alternative to statins. Could this be the future of cholesterol management? Read more about this game-changing discovery.

profile
Killian JennyAUTHOR
Cover Image
HEALTHJAN 27, 2025

Non-Industrialized Diet Linked to Reduced Disease Risk

New research published in Cell reveals that adopting a non-industrialized diet—rich in whole, minimally processed foods—can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease by up to 40%

profile
Edama Leanne AUTHOR
Cover Image
HEALTHJAN 22, 2025

Coffee May Lower Dementia Risk—But There’s a Caveat

Recent research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals a potential link between moderate coffee consumption and a reduced risk of dementia. Learn how coffee's antioxidants and caffeine might protect cognitive health, why moderation is key.

profile
Ahsan AroojAUTHOR
Cover Image
HEALTHJAN 21, 2025

Carrots and Diabetes: Surprising Health Benefits Revealed

New research reveals how bioactive compounds in carrots may help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity. Learn how carrots could complement diabetes management, the importance of preparation methods, and the science behind their benefits.

profile
Devato KellyAUTHOR
Cover Image
HEALTHJAN 18, 2025

Almost Half of Americans Over 55 Face Dementia Risk

Nearly half of Americans over 55 face dementia risk, driven by factors like hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles. Discover how proactive changes in diet, exercise, and healthcare can reduce risk and support cognitive health.

profile
Ahsan AroojAUTHOR