Your beer belly increases risk of death by 87%
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 ribbing 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?
Dr. Jimmy B. Aragon of the Section of Endocrinology of 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’s not just the bottles of beer that one should worry about. It’s usually developed because of consumption of too many calories, from binge drinking to an unhealthy diet,” he explains.
“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 men 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.
But 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.”
He 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.”
A beer belly, no matter how long you might have accepted living with it, is no laughing matter. It carries serious long-term health risks that should not be underestimated. By taking proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle, you can shed unwanted belly fat and safeguard your well-being—cutting down health risks and improving overall quality of life.
Contact MakatiMed On-Call at tel. (+632) 88888-999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit makatimed.net.ph.
