Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

I spoke to a woman in her early 40s who does, on average, 300 ab exercises three to four times a week. The result? Not much. She has abs - but they’re “buried” beneath a layer of belly fat. She’s also a runner - so she gets plenty of exercise. So, she wondered, is it age? And, further, does belly fat affect one’s health?

Male or female, yes, age can play a role in the amount of belly fat you carry. As you age, you lose muscle. If you’re not physically active, then the loss of muscle is more pronounced. And the more muscle you lose, the more your metabolism can slow. Thus, exercise is also key.

But diet also plays a big role. To reduce belly fat, integrate more fiber, water, protein, fruits and vegetables (quality carbohydrates). Reduce simple carbs like rice, pasta, crackers and bread. Fiber will help cut down on bloating, as will water. Protein helps you build muscle, which can help raise your metabolic rate and burn fat. Choose skim milk, lean meats, seafood and non-fat yogurts or cottage cheese. And fruit and vegetables will give you the energy you need.

As for the links between overall health and belly fat, the latest research indicates that having a large amount of belly fat can increase your risk for Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease and stroke, high triglycerides and low levels of HDL (”good”) cholesterol, some types of cancer and sleep apnea.

So, keep doing the sit-ups and the cardio. If you’re not active - get moving. And take a good look at your diet and water intake. The secret to a healthy six-pack you can see is a combination of a healthy diet and exercise.