The dangers of belly fat are nothing short of alarming. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is consistently reporting the findings of researchers around the world. Even popular magazines, books, and prime-time news programs are beginning to discuss the dire consequences of obesity.

It is especially troubling that the obesity epidemic continues to spread in spite of this awareness of the dangers of belly fat. Excess belly fat is a growing health concern for people of all ages, including children.

Obesity is of special concern in children for a very good physiological reason. It is during childhood that the number of adipocytes (fat cells) is determined. This number cannot be reduced in adulthood without liposuction. A child's excess fat sets him/her up for a lifetime of struggling with their weight.

We should be motivated to fight the obesity epidemic by the realization of just how significant the health problems are with increased body fat.

Here are some of the dangers of belly fat:

Decreased life expectancy. In the January 2003 issue of JAMA a study was reported with this conclusion: "Obesity appears to lessen life expectancy markedly, especially among younger adults."

Scientific and medical breakthroughs have increased life expectancy to all-time highs. However, for the first time in history this upward trend is threatened by obesity. Sadly, children will not live as long as their parents because of the effects of increased belly fat.

David Ludwig, Pediatric Endocrinologist, and director of the obesity program at Children's Hospital in Boston offered this warning: "Childhood obesity is like a massive tsunami headed toward the United States."

Increased hypertension. The American Heart Association's 1998 conference, "Obesity: Impact on Cardiovascular Disease, " reported that over 75% of hypertension can be directly linked to obesity. The link is so strong between the two that some have asked if they are not the one and same epidemic.

This disease that afflicts almost 1/3 of Americans is preventable in many cases by simply losing belly fat.

Increased diabetes. The International Diabetes Institute of Australia rendered a report in 2003, "The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes: Are We Doing Enough?" Here is a quote from this article: "Increasing levels of obesity, arising from energy-rich diets and sedentary lifestyles, are driving a global pandemic of type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes worldwide is set to increase from its present level of 150 million, to 225 million by the end of the decade and to as many as 300 million by 2025."

Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. The incidence of this disease could be dramatically decreased by simply eating less and exercising more.

One of the dangers of belly fat probably won't be told to you by your doctor. SEE BELOW.