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What Actually Causes A Beer Belly And How To Get Rid Of It?!

2017-02-11 ShanghaiWOWeng

Ahh, the beer belly…we’re all familiar with this poetic term, and seen plenty of people in our lives sporting one. Perhaps there’s one currently living on your midsection right now! 



As the name suggests, storing excess fat in your stomach region is said to be the result of over consuming beer, hence developing a large belly. Whether you call it a spare tire or pot belly, there’s more to it than just drinking too much beer.


If you’ve found yourself a little plumper than usual over the winter period, read on to discover what actually causes a beer belly, and more importantly, how to get rid of it! 

 

You Can Actually Blame Genetics! 



Genetics are all too commonly turned to when you feel like you’ve been dealt a bad hand with your body. Most of the time, anything physical you don’t like about yourself is blamed on poor genetics, when in fact it is really just a case of poor lifestyle choices and an unhealthy diet.


However, when it comes to the location of storing body fat, genetics do in fact play factor! Take it from Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, program director at UC San Diego's Weight Management Program, "Genetics determine where our body likes to deposit fat storage.”


Some people eat like a uni student all day and don’t gain a pound, while others smell a doughnut and add a love handle. Some people are just more prone to putting their flab in their belly area than others.

 

Do Women Get Beer Bellies?



When it comes to the gender war on beer bellies, who do you think is more susceptible to develop one?


To help you answer, other than during pregnancy, do you really see the classic paunch on women? Certainly not as often as men!


Men and women store fat differently. For men, this means more fat in the belly region, which explains why the classic bloated belly look doesn’t so often occur on women.


Don’t feel too hard done by fellas! Women, also have their fat storage issues. Typically, women store extra weight in the butt and thighs, which leads to a bulge belly the belly button, affectionately named a ‘muffin top’! 


 Why Is It Called A ‘Beer’ Belly?



Why is it that beer has been the one to blame for pregnant looking men the world over? Is there any evidence to suggest the connection? In fact, NO!


While there seems to be some correlation between beer consumption and overall weight, Professor Arne Astrup, Head of The Department of Human Nutrition at The University of Copenhagen, has stated that there is no concrete scientific evidence to support the idea of the “beer belly”.


What’s even more shocking is that enjoyed in moderation, beer, like wine, can provide many essential vitamins and minerals which may also protect against conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Reminder… enjoyed in moderation!

 

Father Time Is An S.O.B



No one likes aging, yet it happens to us all. The process can be a drag for many reasons, not least of which is the added weight. As we age, our metabolism slows down, which means it’s easier for us to gain weight. Yay.


Post menopausal women can look forward to their butt and thigh weight shifting more to a more central region. Even if all your life you’ve never suffered from belly fat, time makes sure you’ll be given an even chance!

 


Introducing ‘Sugar Belly’!


‘Beer belly’ refers to the belief that drinking too much beer grows an enormous belly, when in fact it’s food which makes the biggest difference.


As it turns out, the biggest reason you have a fat belly is not so much because of sweet, innocent beer. Instead, blame sugar and refined carbohydrates!


Processed foods such as white bread, doughnuts and cakes are full of something called refined carbohydrates, which our body breaks down into sugar which is stored as energy. 


If our lifestyle means we don’t use up that energy, it is then stored as fat, subtly disguised as a ‘beer belly’. Perhaps if we change the name to " refined carbohydrates belly”… no, it doesn’t work. 

 


Beer Belly, Sugar Belly – How Do I Get Rid Of It?!


Firstly, as with many things in life, prevention is better than the cure, so avoid processed foods and make healthier dietary choices.


Not so helpful for those already sporting a gut, huh? 


If you're past the prevention stage, don’t fret, there are ways to eliminate that belly fat.


Your diet should be your number one focus. Clean it up, and aim for mostly plants, healthy fats, and complex carbs like whole grains found in brown bread and sweet potatoes.  


Exercise! High-intensity interval training or HIIT is arguably the best method to combat belly fat. 

 


Calories You Eat < Calories You Burn = Fat Loss

If you consume less calories than you burn, you will lose fat. With this simple equation in mind, losing weight should no longer be confusing. Sure it can be challenging, as you can’t target where to lose the fat, but if you’re tired of spare tires, taking the decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle is the first step.


On a lighter note, since there's no evidence that beer actually causes a beer belly, the good news is that you don't have to ditch the beer! Cutting back on the pints is a good idea, but you don’t need to go too crazy ;) 


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