The term ‘beer belly’ is a common throwaway term usually associated with men that consume more than the average amount of alcohol. Whilst this is partially true, it hides a much deeper and more deadly reality.
Many overweight people and their partners assume that the ‘beer belly’ appearance is due not to fat but a protruding stomach, acquired from a long-term drinking habit. Actually, their shape is only partially due to the accumulation of fat under the skin; most of the bulge results from fat accumulated within the abdominal cavity – the omentum.
The lack of understanding about the ‘hidden’ health risks is commonplace and it is only when serious medical issue(s) arise that the folly of not understanding the real risk of carrying that amount of weight hits home.
Research into abdominal obesity only really began in earnest in the late 1980s. It was only in the 1990s that there was evidence based understanding of the health risks associated with body fat accumulation.
Why do beer bellies appear so frequently on men?
When men reach the age of 35 their metabolism begins to slow down and when men put on weight they tend to add to their belly area in greater proportion to other areas of their body.
This is not just about beer – most heavy beer drinkers will also top up their drink quota with other high calorific foods. In effect, the body is being fed a colossal amount of calories that can not be consumed by the body so they are turned to fat deposits.
Don’t be mislead into thinking that the beer belly is only for those that drink beer. Alcohol calories are so easy to overdo and if you drink any number in one sitting, you will end up with serious calorie overload. But non-beer drinkers also develop the ‘beer belly’ or pot-belly’ shape. Excessive calorie intake will eventually lead to this physical state of being.
This post is not about the solutions on how to lose a beer belly, it’s about alerting men in particular as to the dangers of carrying a beer belly.
On how to get rid of a beer belly – our weight loss programmes will address the issue. If you want to take the first step to losing your beer belly, then arrange an assessment with your nearest Motivation clinic or call 1850 306000
