From Homer Simpson to post-Thanos snap Thor and maybe even your dad, pretty much every guy knows what a beer belly is. The noticeable lump of excess fat around the midsection has been the butt of many jokes and gentle ribbings over the years, to the point that some guys even jokingly wear it as a badge of honor (hello, dad bods!). But how much do we really know about beer bellies?
Jimmy B. Aragon, MD, from the Section of Endocrinology of the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) points out that beer bellies are more dangerous than just being a dad bod staple.
“Beer belly may be linked to alcohol consumption, but it shouldn’t just be the bottles of beer that one
should worry about. Usually developed because of consumption of too many calories, from binge-drinking
to unhealthy diet,” explains Dr. Aragon. “It’s basically belly fat, a result of excess buildup of visceral fat
inside your abdomen, which wraps itself around vital organs and even forces your abdominal wall
outward. Visceral fat inflames your body’s tissues and organs, narrowing blood vessels and leaving you
more vulnerable to problems like high blood pressure.”
According to Dr. Aragon, belly fat is also linked to a higher risk for various kinds of health problems for
guys including heart disease, erectile dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. A study conducted by the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that men with a beer gut faced an astonishing 87 percent risk of death compared to men with the same body mass index but a normal waist-to-hip ratio. Yet, MakatiMed assures that it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. The same proven methods that promote overall weight loss—eating better and exercising more—can also help banish pesky belly fat.
“Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting your intake of processed food and saturated fats. Saturated fats cause a greater increase in the amount of fat in the liver and abdomen region,” says Dr. Aragon. “So, it isn’t just alcohol you need to cut down on, but also animal products like beef and pork.”
Dr. Aragon also recommends getting a lot more physically active, even in small ways. “Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every day and add strength training at least twice a week. Avoid prolonged sitting by taking a break from your work desk to stand or take a short walk. The point is to not fall into a sedentary lifestyle,” reminds Dr. Aragon.
A beer belly, no matter how long you might have accepted living with it, is no laughing matter. They carry serious long-term health risks that should not be underestimated. By taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, you can shed unwanted belly fat and safeguard your well-being—cutting down health risks and improving overall quality of life.
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
