A television medic has slammed health guidance surrounding belly fat as 'nonsense' and encouraged individuals to make choices based on wellbeing rather than appearance.

NHS Dr Amir Khan, who frequently features on Lorraine and This Morning on ITV, explained that individuals ought to be concerned about abdominal fat as it might signal a severe health condition.

He criticised certain guidance, condemning it as 'wrong' but warned that without intervention, people could face risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Speaking on his Instagram page, he stated: "Let's talk about the weight we carry around our waist. Now, too often weight advice is wrong. It's focused on all the wrong things, trim down for the beach season or show off those rock hard abs. That's nonsense, of course.

"We should want to get healthy, not thin or ripped." Regarding abdominal fat, he clarified: "Now, if you're carrying extra pounds around your midsection, know that losing belly fat is more than about conforming to unattainable beauty standards, because the weight we carry in our abdomen can be a sign of health concerns that are more than skin deep.

"It can be a sign of something called visceral fat. Now there's two main types of fat we carry, subcutaneous fat that lies just underneath our skin is what you see when you look in the mirror or when you pinch yourself like this."

He explained that it is below the skin where it does damage: "But visceral fat goes deeper. Some is OK, but too much. Can surround your organs and put you at risk of things like type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as lots of other health conditions.

"Now, both genetics and environmental factors play a role in how much visceral fat you carry. Genetics can determine your body shape and how much visceral fat you store, but environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and stress also play a key role. Believe it or not, visceral fat is actually easier to get rid of than that fat just underneath your skin. That is because it's metabolised quicker and your body can get rid of it in things such as your sweat or even your pee."

Dr Khan offered his followers guidance on fitness and nutrition to help address the issue: "To help get rid of some of that visceral fat, think about doing a variety of exercises, things that get your heart rate pumping and building muscle.

"Think about limiting the amount of refined or added sugar you eat and get more fibre and protein in your diet and. Don't forget, sleep is really important, 7 to 8 hours and reduce your stress levels.

"Stress causes cortisol levels to go up, which can increase visceral fat and make you eat more. I know all of that is easier said than done, but it's really important that you try and you stick to it."

ITV Lorraine's Dr Amir Khan says belly fat advice is 'wrong' and 'nonsense' - The Mirror