Q I'm in my late 30s. My arms and legs stay the same, but my belly keeps growing. Is this related to insulin resistance?
A Fat accumulating in the belly, especially around the organs, and insulin resistance make each other worse. Visceral fat releases substances that disrupt metabolism and make insulin work even less, and as a result belly fat piles up more easily, creating a vicious cycle.
Detailed Answer
Visceral fat is not simply stored oil; it is active tissue that secretes inflammatory substances that disrupt metabolism. These substances interfere with insulin's action and worsen resistance, and when insulin doesn't work, blood sugar is easily stored as fat, so belly fat builds up. That is why the "skinny-fat" pattern of thin limbs but a protruding belly is especially closely tied to insulin resistance. Reducing your waistline is the key to breaking this vicious cycle.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
In Korean medicine, we view the surplus piled up around the organs as "phlegm-fluid and dampness in the abdomen." When this surplus heavily weighs down metabolism and slows circulation and digestion, a vicious cycle of even more belly fat forms. At Dongjedang, we focus on clearing this abdominal surplus and reviving metabolism, helping belly fat and insulin sensitivity improve together.
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