Health
Bell Fat – What Causes Belly Fat in Females and Males?
Belly Fat – What Causes Belly Fat in Females and Males?
According to Patrick J. Bird, dean of the College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida, hormones play a role in the deposition of fat in both men and women.
This sex-specific fat is physiologically advantageous for women during pregnancy and is known to cause cellulite. The male form of obesity called a “potbelly,” has no physiological advantage and can be life-threatening.
Differences between male and female fat
If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between male and female bell fat, you’re not alone. Research has shown that men and women have different fat storage and metabolism mechanisms.
Females tend to store more fat in their abdominal region and men store less in their belly area. While males have more subcutaneous fat throughout their bodies, the amount of fat cells in their bellies increases with age.
This is likely due to the difference in hormone levels between males and females, which causes the growth of fat cells in the abdomen region. The difference between male and female bell fat is significant because it may contribute to susceptibility to obesity-related health complications.
As a result, researchers are now planning to confirm their findings in human samples. This new research has many implications, not the least of which is that it could lead to improved treatments for obesity-related health problems.
However, it is still too early to determine if this finding will change the way we treat obese people. One of the most important differences between male and female bell fat is the amount of visceral abdominal fat.
Men have more TAF and less VAF than women, and their combined fat content was greater in men than in women. These differences were statistically significant and correlated with GIR in men and women with and without diabetes.
However, the findings are not entirely clear, as there are many other factors that play a role in body fat distribution. While both men and women need to maintain a certain percentage of essential fat in their bodies, women’s bellies should contain a higher proportion of fat than men’s bodies.
This is because women need fat reserves to keep growing babies alive and nourished. In addition, the production of estrogen in women allows them to store more fat.
In addition to being an excellent source of estrogen, women are naturally more prone to developing fat in their bellies than men are.
Cortisol
Studies have shown that high levels of cortisol can contribute to belly fat. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, located on the top of the kidneys. When a stressful event occurs, the hypothalamus sends a message to the adrenal glands to increase metabolism and energy production through glucose.
The extra glucose then gets stored as belly fat. While there is no conclusive proof that cortisol contributes to belly fat, it is known that high levels of cortisol slow down the process and can contribute to excess belly fat
Many researchers have studied the relationship between cortisol and weight and found that there was a significant correlation between elevated cortisol levels and increased weight.
In fact, a study conducted on 41 women found that those with a high level of belly fat had higher cortisol levels for an hour following the stressful event. And if you think you’re a victim of belly fat, it’s not a good idea to ignore it.
Thankfully, there are many ways to decrease the amount of cortisol in your blood. Among the simplest and most effective ways to do so is by adjusting your diet to include more lean protein and vegetables.
In addition to a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and stress-reduction strategies are also effective ways to lose excess belly fat. And don’t forget to exercise regularly, a proven weight loss strategy is the best way to achieve that.
Although cortisol is necessary for survival, it is also known to cause excess belly fat. The hormone is produced in the adrenal glands and is released in response to stress.
This hormone is produced in the early morning and reduces your energy levels, but it also increases your appetite.
The higher the cortisol level, the greater the appetite and body fat. So if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s time to make some changes to your diet.
Aging
Belly fat is the excess layer of fat that develops around the midsection. Both male and female bodies can develop it as they age, but men and women typically develop it in different ways.
Women develop extra fat around the belly because of the hormonal changes that take place during menstruation. In addition, women can develop belly fat if they have a genetic condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.
Increasing age is associated with an increase in metabolic risk, a worsening of blood lipid levels, and an increase in visceral fat. In women, this increase is particularly dramatic; visceral fat quadruples between 25 and 65 years.
Men also accumulate visceral fat at a similar rate, with over 70 cm2 by the third decade. Women have slightly more than thirty cm2 of visceral fat in their third decade.
Conclusion
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Health
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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