The Relationship between Beer Consumers and Pot Belly

There is a correlation between the consumption of alcohol and pot belly. Not just in men but women too. Several questions tend to pop on this issue such as;

1) What causes pot belly?

2) Women consume alcohol, why don’t they share that pot belly feature like men?

3) Is pot belly really a sign of Good living?

What causes pot belly?

Alcoholic drinks, such as beer, increases the risk of belly fat because the liver prioritizes burning alcohol before digesting fat.

This allows more fat to store in the body in a process known as fat sparing. Beer and other alcoholic drinks tend to increase appetite, so extra calories can be consumed through meals often paired with beer, such as pepper soup with lots of meat and fish.

Beer has empty calories; it doesn’t contain the fiber, vitamins or minerals a person needs to feel satisfied, which also leads to excess calorie consumption and fat gain.

Women also consume beers, why don’t they share that pot belly feature like men?

Storage of fat in the body is influenced by sex, age, lifestyle and genetics.

In men, fat is stored in the belly, while in women, fat is deposited around the hips, buttocks and thighs.

This does not mean women cannot gain a beer belly, it’s just less likely than men when consuming too many calories.

A decline in hormone levels with age, in both men and women, also increases the likelihood of storing belly fat.

Is pot belly really a sign of Good living?

The belly region is where several vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, stomach are located.

Unlike subcutaneous fat (which is found just under the skin) visceral fat is found between organs. The visceral fat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and insulin resistance which are basically causes of Hypertension and Diabetes.

A waistline of 35 inches or more is a high risk for women, while 40 inches or more is a health hazard for men, according to The American Council on Exercise.

The answer is no. Pot belly is not a sign of good living, infact, it is should be seen as an emergency.

Tips of the day

1) Excessive alcohol intake is detrimental to health, if you must drink, drink responsibly.

2) If your waistline is above 35inches for women and 40inches for men, ensure you burn the fat. This can be done via exercise, avoidance of alcohol and fattening foods. You may also consult a dietitian.

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Source: livestrong