Final answer:
Adipose tissue accumulated in the abdominal region is referred to as central obesity, which poses a higher risk of health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Central obesity is assessed with the waist-to-hip ratio, and addressing it typically requires diet and exercise changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When adipose tissue accumulates in the abdominal region, it is known as central obesity. This type of obesity is characterized by the storage of excess body fat predominantly in the abdomen as opposed to other areas like the hips. Central obesity is a condition that significantly increases an individual's risk of developing serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It is important to note that fat can be distributed differently throughout the body and its impact on health varies accordingly. Visceral fat, which is adipose tissue stored in the abdominal cavity, is a potent predictor of disease risk because it releases hormones and inflammatory factors. Additionally, the body mass index (BMI) is often referenced when discussing body fat, but it has limitations as it doesn't account for the distribution of fat in the body. Particularly, abdominal obesity is more concerning than fat stored in other locations like the hips, which is associated with fewer health risks.
Measures such as the waist-to-hip ratio are used to assess abdominal fat. For men, a ratio greater than 0.95, and for women, a ratio greater than 0.86 indicates excessive abdominal fat. Addressing central obesity typically involves lifestyle changes, focusing on diet and exercise, which are key to managing body fat accumulation and reducing the associated health risks.