The debate over the relative benefits and dangers of abdominal fat is one that has been around for years. In general, there is much debate over whether or not having more abdominal fat is bad for your health. Some scientists believe that having a bit more abdominal fat is actually protective against a number of diseases, while others believe that excess abdominal fat is a leading cause of heart disease and other health problems.
Sometimes due to similar appearance, people confuse ascites vs Belly Fat. The difference between Ascites vs Belly Fat is that with Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen is due to a lack of fluid intake or drainage. On the other hand, belly fat is the accumulation of excess fat around the abdominal area. Let us discuss both conditions in detail.
What is Ascites?
Ascites is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen and chest due to a decreased output from the kidneys. It is a serious medical condition that can lead to infection, heart failure, and even death. Ascites are most common in older adults but can occur at any age.
Ascites can be caused by a number of different conditions, including cancer, cirrhosis, and kidney failure. The most common cause of ascites in adults is cancer, accounting for about 75% of cases. Other causes of ascites include heart failure and thrombosis.
What Are the Causes of Ascites?
Ascites can be due to a variety of causes, but the most common are cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer. It may also be caused due to some rare reasons such as
- Thrombosis
- Infections
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
- Heart failure.
The Symptoms of Ascites
The most common symptoms of ascites are swelling and soreness in the abdomen, usually accompanied by a distended feeling.
Other symptoms may include
- Fatigue
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Back pain
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Vomiting
- Bloating.
Treatment of Ascites
Following are some of the treatment methods for Ascites
- Shunts
With the help of inserting a shunt doctor drains the fluid from the body of the patient.
- Diuretics
Many people who are suffering from ascites consume water pills better known as diuretics. There are different types of diuretics. Diuretics help in reducing swelling in the body and drain excessive fluid.
- Paracentesis
It is a surgical procedure performed by a healthcare professional in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen to get rid of the excessive fluid.
- Liver transplant
Most of the patients who suffer from severe cirrhosis have to bear ascites and ultimately permanent damage to their Liver takes place. As liver failure is a life-threatening situation so a liver transplant is necessary.
- Sodium reduction
If you are suffering from a site then your doctor will probably recommend you reduce your sodium intake.
What Is Belly Fat?
Abdominal fat or belly fat is the layer of fat underneath your abdominal skin. The fat that surrounds the abdominal organs is also known as belly fat. Gender, general health, age Lifestyle, and genetics all play a significant role in the accumulation of belly fat.
Reasons Behind Belly Fat
The layers of fat are not inserted in your abdomen rather they are produced due to your lifestyle, physical activity, hormone levels, the hunger response of the body, and the production of glucose processing hormone called insulin. The belly fat is responsible for the production of a substance known as cytokines that develop resistance against insulin and produces inflammation in the body. So having Belly fat is never good for your health.
Effects of Belly Fat
Abdominal fat does not only give a bad impact on your physical appearance but it is also much harmful to your health. Abdominal fat can give birth to health problems such as
- Diabetes
- Heart diseases
- Cancer
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Arteriosclerosis
- Hormonal abnormality.
Preventions & Treatment of Belly Fat
Following are some of the ways regarding how to prevent or treat belly fat with natural remedies
- Increase physical activity
- Consume less sodium
- Include whole wheat in your diet
- Eat lean proteins
- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits
- Avoid excessive sugar
- Avoid smoking
- Do not consume alcohol
- Eat High fiber diet.
If all the above natural remedies are not working for you then you should consult a physician. If you have excessive belly fat then the doctor will either recommend a gastric bypass or some medicines that will help in burning your Belly fat.
The Bottom Line
We will conclude that water belly ascites or fat both conditions are completely different. Comparing the severity of Ascites vs belly fat, ascites is a much more severe condition however belly fat becomes the reason for many diseases.
