Causes Of Pot Belly In Men And Foods You Can Eat To Reduce It

Pot belly, known medically as Abdominal obesity, refers to the presence of excess fat in the abdominal area. It is also known as visceral or intraabdominal fat because it collects in the abdominal cavity.

It has long been known that body fat located in the abdominal cavity in the form of visceral fat poses serious risks to overall health. Abdominal obesity raises the risk of some health problems, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

What are the causes of Abdominal obesity?

1. Poor diet

A diet high in added sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, low in fibre and high in refined grains may increase the risk for weight gain and higher levels of belly fat.

Most often, stick with water, unsweetened coffee/tea, and eating a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods.

2. Excessive alcohol consumption

While drinking small amounts of alcohol, in particular red wine, has been found to have its health benefits, drinking too much alcohol can harm your health and your waistline.

Several studies have shown that drinking too much alcohol may encourage fat to be stored as visceral fat. Too much alcohol can make you develop nutritional deficiencies that can cause abdominal muscles to weaken and the belly to protrude.

3. Lack of physical activity

A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are associated with a number of health risks, including weight gain and increased abdominal fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every week.

4. Not getting enough sleep

Scientists have known for years that sleep deprivation makes you tired and cranky and less able to think clearly. It also can make you fat because it increases levels of a hunger hormone and decreases levels of a fullness hormone, which could lead to overeating and weight gain.

5. Stress

Stress can also play a role in storing excess visceral fat. This is because when someone is stressed, their body releases a hormone called cortisol, which increases how much visceral fat a person’s body stores.

6. Genetics

Though more research is needed, genetics may play a role in where we store fat in the body, including increased risk for abdominal fat accumulation.

7. Smoking

Studies have shown that heavy smokers are more likely to get pot bellies. Scientists say that while smoking might be associated with lower overall weight, it tends to push fat into central areas, resulting in a protruding tummy.

What foods can help reduce belly fat?

Making health-promoting choices about what to eat and what to avoid, how much you exercise, and how you manage stress can all help you lose belly fat and manage the associated health risks. However, foods you can eat to reduce belly fat include:

*Apples

*Beans

*Chicken breast

*Dark chocolate

*Eggs

*Fatty fish

*Ginger

*Leafy green vegetables

*Nuts

*Oatmeal

*Warm Water.

Article Reference: Medicalnewstoday.com

Medicinenet.com