As people age, they often notice an increase in abdominal fat. In addition to exercise and diet, fat-burning teas commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may also help reduce fat in the abdominal area.
Abdominal fat is often regarded as one of the most stubborn types of body fat. In addition to affecting appearance, it increases the risk of various chronic diseases, impacting life expectancy. On the “Health 1+1” program, Jonathan Liu, a professor of TCM at a Canadian public university and director of the Kangmei TCM Clinic, discussed the causes of abdominal obesity and effective strategies for reducing fat.
Causes of Fat Accumulation
Liu, drawing on insights from both modern medicine and TCM, identifies three primary causes of abdominal obesity:Unhealthy Diet
Modern food industries produce large quantities of highly processed carbohydrates, such as cakes, desserts, and sugary beverages. In addition to excessive sugar, these processed foods often include unhealthy fats, such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, and contain little to no dietary fiber. After eating, they are rapidly converted into fat by the body.Excessive beer consumption is another contributing factor to abdominal obesity, hence the common term “beer belly.” A systematic review indicated that men who drink more than a pint of beer per day are significantly more likely to develop abdominal obesity and increases in waist circumference.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors that contribute to abdominal obesity include prolonged sitting, excessive stress, and disrupted sleep patterns.Story continues below advertisement
Liu noted that some people, such as long-distance drivers and office workers, must sit for extended periods while working. After work, they often feel exhausted and remain sedentary at home, leading to the gradual accumulation of abdominal fat.
Additionally, chronic stress can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, increasing the likelihood of overeating or binge eating. Sleep deprivation, as well as conditions such as sleep apnea, can also slow metabolism, further elevating the risk of obesity.
Imbalance of Energy in the Body
From an energy perspective, imbalances within the body may also contribute to obesity—a condition referred to as “yang deficiency” in TCM.In TCM, the body’s energies and substances are classified into Yin and Yang. Yin represents darkness and cold, while Yang symbolizes daylight and warmth. Maintaining a balance between the two is essential for overall health.
Habits such as staying up late, consuming cold foods and beverages, wearing insufficient clothing in cold weather, and overindulging physical desires can all deplete Yang energy. Insufficient Yang energy can result in a slower metabolism, which promotes fat accumulation.
The Impact of Menopause on Abdominal Fat Accumulation
The hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause make women more prone to abdominal fat accumulation.Story continues below advertisement
A recent multi-center study demonstrated a link between menopause and the development of central adiposity. The study found that abdominal fat increased by an average of 1.21 percent per year during premenopause and 5.54 percent per year during the menopausal transition.
Health Risks of Excess Visceral Fat
Body fat is generally classified into two types: subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin and can be felt by touch, and visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs. Liu stated that excess visceral fat poses a greater threat to health, as it can lead to metabolic disorders, impair organ function, and trigger chronic inflammation.“An excessive buildup of visceral fat can result in conditions such as fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome,” Liu said. “Metabolic syndrome is also considered a precursor to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. To ensure a better quality of life in later years, it is important to prevent the accumulation of visceral fat.”
Excess fat has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia. A 2024 study involving 10,001 healthy people showed that higher levels of abdominal fat—including both visceral fat and subcutaneous fat—were associated with reduced brain volume. The study also identified a correlation between increased fat accumulation and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Signs of Excess Visceral Fat
Liu outlined five methods to help identify signs of excess visceral fat:1. Maintain Bowel Movement Frequency
Excess visceral fat may compress the intestines, contributing to constipation. People who experience both constipation and abdominal obesity often have elevated levels of visceral fat.2. Check Cholesterol Levels
High levels of visceral fat are associated with elevated cholesterol.3. Measure the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI)
If excessive visceral fat is suspected, a CT (computed tomography) scan can be performed at a hospital to calculate the VAI.4. Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is useful for determining whether body weight falls within a healthy range. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a healthy BMI for adults ranges from 18.5 to 24.9.5. Measure Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is one of the most direct indicators of visceral fat accumulation. According to the NIH, a waist circumference exceeding 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is associated with an increased risk of excess visceral fat and related health conditions.Strategies for Reducing Abdominal Fat
Excess abdominal fat can be reduced by focusing on three essential strategies:1. Engage in Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular aerobic exercise—such as brisk walking or jogging—is recommended for general fat reduction. For people with significant abdominal fat, high-intensity interval training may be more effective. Incorporating exercises like high-knee runs, lunges, and jump squats into the workout routine can further enhance fat-burning results.2. Follow a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in reducing fat. Increasing the intake of high-quality proteins—such as fish, cheese, skinless chicken, and legumes—can support fat loss. For middle-aged women, eating legumes rich in phytoestrogens may help alleviate menopausal symptoms.A higher intake of vegetables, rich in dietary fiber, promotes better digestion and can aid in reducing fat accumulation. For those not fond of vegetables, modifying cooking methods can make them more palatable while retaining their nutritional value.
Story continues below advertisement
Limiting the intake of desserts and sugary soft drinks—including low-sugar or diet sodas—is also an important part of dietary management.
3. Reduce the Depletion of Yang Energy
According to TCM, yang energy is vital in supporting fat metabolism. Habits that deplete yang energy—such as staying up late, wearing insufficient clothing in cold weather, and excessive alcohol consumption—should be avoided.Practices such as moxibustion and meditation can help preserve and replenish yang energy. Moxibustion involves applying heat from burning dried mugwort (moxa) to specific acupuncture points. It is believed that performing moxibustion during the summer harnesses the yang energy of nature, thereby strengthening immunity and promoting fat metabolism.
Herbal Teas for Fat Reduction
Liu recommends two herbal teas that can be taken daily to support weight loss. In addition to promoting fat reduction, these teas can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.Hawthorn and Malt Tea
Preparation- Combine 400 grams of dried hawthorn with 200 grams of dried malt. Grind the mixture into a fine powder and mix thoroughly.
- Add 20 to 40 grams of the powder to hot water and steep before drinking.
Animal studies indicate that procyanidins, abundant in hawthorn, support lipid metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity, and may help alleviate fatty liver disease. These compounds also exhibit antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative stress and contribute to overall health.
Additionally, compounds found in hawthorn can help mitigate the negative effects of a high-fat diet on the gut microbiome.
Hawthorn and Cassia Seed Tea
Preparation- Combine 400 grams of dried hawthorn with 200 grams of cassia seeds. Grind the mixture into a coarse powder and mix thoroughly.
- Add 20 to 40 grams of the powder to hot water and steep before drinking.
Story continues below advertisement
If bowel movements increase to more than three times per day after drinking the tea, the dosage can be reduced—for example, to 15 grams per day.
Studies suggest cassia seeds may protect the liver, promote regular bowel movements, and improve metabolic conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes. Cassia seeds are non-toxic and considered safe for regular, long-term consumption.
Rapid Fat Reduction With Da Chai Hu Tang
Da Chai Hu Tang, a Chinese patent medicine (a standardized, ready-to-use herbal formula), is often used for rapid fat reduction, Liu said. Based on his clinical experience, taking the formula for one month can result in a weight loss of approximately 10 to 15 pounds.Recommended dosage: Take 2.5 grams (approximately ¾ teaspoon) per dose, three times daily, before meals.
A 2022 clinical trial found that administering Da Chai Hu Tang for 12 weeks significantly reduced triglyceride levels in patients with hyperlipidemia who were taking statins (cholesterol-lowering medications). Its lipid-lowering effect was comparable to that of omega-3 supplements.
Da Chai Hu Tang contains da huang (rhubarb), which has a natural laxative effect. If bowel movements increase to more than three times per day, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly.
Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but are generally available in health food and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.
Copy
