The human body naturally stores fat cells for warmth and fuel. Factors such as diet, nutrition, physical fitness, genetic make-up, and stress can influence how readily a body maintains or increases its fat layers, and where the fat is stored. Understanding how the body accumulates fat plays a large role in the success or failure of medical weight loss.

Belly Fat
Most fat accrual starts in the abdominal area and can migrate to higher on the torso and lower around the hips and thighs. The abdominal area is the center point because of where and why the body starts holding onto the foods eaten—the small intestine, not the stomach.

The omentum is the layer of fat in front of the small intestine. Since the small intestine is where food is absorbed into the body, that’s also where fat storage begins. The stomach begins breaking foods down for digesting, but it’s the small intestine that absorbs the nutrients and fat.

The omentum stores the body’s emergency fat supply for high-demand times, such as famine and stressful periods. Because it is the body’s first stop for fuel reserves, it also has first priority in fat storage. Receptors in the omentum activate and cause food cravings, even if the person does not feel physically hungry.

Fiber
Early daily intakes of high amounts of fiber can cause food to slow progression through the small intestine, allowing for well-rounded nutrients to be absorbed, and the slowed digestion can cause feelings of fullness longer.

Genetics
No two bodies are exactly alike, but body structure tendencies run along common lines.

Men tend to store excess fat initially around their stomachs; women tend to store extra fat first in their hips and thighs. Knowing which is probable according to gender can help spot and prevent fat build-up.

Fighting Obesity
Prevention is always the easiest method, but when the pounds and inches add up anyway, exercise, medical intervention, and diet modification helps eliminate those unwanted extra bulges.

Fad diets can harm a dieter’s health. Before beginning a weight loss regime, seek medical consultation and advice. A licensed medical personnel can oversee a safe, healthy weight loss program that ensures proper nutrition, moderate exercise when possible and close supervision for side effects and medical improvements.

Prescription drugs can help stem appetites, but often require close medical supervision: Undiagnosed and untreated side effects can be deadly.

Medical weight loss programs encompass proper nutrition, medical supervision, support during weight loss and health monitoring. If drugs are prescribed, their effectiveness and effects are closely monitored.

REFERENCES:
Mehmet Oz, M.D., and Michael Roizen, M.D, 2007,”Forget about Your Stomach,” Esquire, available: http://www.esquire.com/dont-miss/better-man-07/stomach0507?click=main_sr. [accessed: 042711]

“Diet Pills and Prescription Weight Loss Drugs: How They Work,” Reviewed by Judi Goldstone on Sept. 19, 2009; available: . [Accessed: 042711]