According to WebMD, the term “pot belly,” which is also referred to as “abdominal obesity” in the medical field, describes the presence of excessive fat in the abdominal region. It is sometimes referred to as visceral fat or intraabdominal fat due to the fact that it accumulates in the abdominal cavity....CONTINUE READING
It has been recognized for a very long time that visceral fat, which refers to fat that is found in the abdominal cavity, poses significant risks to one’s overall health.
The risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease is increased when abdominal obesity is present.
What kinds of behaviors and lifestyle choices lead to abdominal obesity?
1. Poor diet
Weight gain and a rise in abdominal fat can be the result of consuming a diet that is high in refined carbs, low in fiber, and rich in added sugars, particularly those found in sugar-sweetened beverages.
Drink mostly water, black or unsweetened coffee or tea, and focus on eating foods that are mostly whole and have been lightly processed.
2. Consuming an unsafe amount of alcohol
Consuming little amounts of alcohol, and particularly red wine, has been demonstrated to have positive effects on one’s health. However, drinking to excess can have negative effects on both one’s health and waistline.
Multiple research have come to the conclusion that drinking an excessive amount of alcohol causes visceral fat to be stored in the body. Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can result in nutrient deficiencies, which can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause the belly to protrude if left untreated.
3. Not enough time spent engaging in physical activities
Both sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activity are associated to a number of health issues, including increased body weight and fat accumulation in the abdominal region. Make it a goal to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each and every week.
4. Receiving an insufficient amount of sleep
According to research conducted by academics, not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling weary and irritable while also impairing your ability to think clearly.
Additionally, it can cause you to gain weight by elevating your hunger hormone levels while simultaneously lowering your fullness hormone levels. This imbalance can lead to overeating, which in turn can lead to weight gain.
5. Unease or fear
Stress is another factor that can cause an accumulation of excess visceral fat in the body. This is due to the fact that when a person is stressed, their body secretes a hormone known as cortisol, which causes their body to store more visceral fat than normal.
6. Genetics
Even though more research is required, there is a possibility that our genes determine where fat is stored in the body, including an increased likelihood of accumulation in the abdominal region.
7. Smoking
According to the findings of various research, heavy smokers have a greater risk of developing pot bellies. In spite of the fact that smoking is associated with a lower total body weight, doctors assert that it causes fat to be pushed towards central areas, which results in a protruding tummy.
Which meals are best for helping one lose weight around the abdomen area?
You can reduce your belly fat and the health risks associated with it by making decisions regarding the foods and activities you eat, as well as how you handle stress. On the other hand, the following foods have been shown to aid in the reduction of belly fat:
Apples, beans, breast of chicken, brown chocolate, and apple pie
