Just a little bit of abdominal fat, right? But that beer belly could be seriously harmful…
Ah, the dreaded beer belly. One day you have a rippling six pack, and suddenly your actual six pack has softened into a baker’s dozen! It’s time to put down the drinks and start sipping on some water…
Quick Read:
- Extra belly fat increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
- Struggling to sleep? Sleep apnoea is common in men who have excess belly fat.
A belly full of problems
Did you know that an average beer has about 150 calories? Now, how many beers do you get through in a week? A month? When you consider the natural effects of ageing and declining hormone levels, it’s easy to see that the extra weight that leaves you with a beer belly can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It’s a serious health risk.
Extra weight around your belly can quickly lead to illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, and even Type 2 diabetes. Also, a firm “hard” belly is a worrying sign of a much higher risk for health issues.
When the belly hardens, it’s because of something called visceral fat, which builds up deep inside around your internal organs.
Unlike the fat under your skin, this fat isn’t just sitting there – it’s active, and as it grows, it pushes out your abdominal wall, creating that swollen, almost “pregnant” look. If you poke at the beer belly, it feels hard and firm – not from muscle, but because of the tough, fibrous tissues surrounding it.
It’s important to pay attention to this problem because, while the belly might seem like a small issue now, it could be a sign of bigger things happening inside. Making an effort to reduce belly fat can impact your health in a positive, healthier direction.
Hi belly, bye belly!
Start with small, simple steps: cutting down. That means if you have five beers a week, try to cut down to four, then three and so on.
The same applies to wine and other alcoholic drinks which contain calories. Remember that beers and wines contain sugar, so if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, read the labels! Now’s a great time to try healthier juices and smoothies, too. Easier on the pocket, healthier on the waistline!
Time for some lifestyle changes
Now, what about losing the belly with exercise? Another thing to remember – doing sit-ups and targeted abdomen exercises don’t work alone. You need full-body workouts. Start with quick-win simple activities like walking, swimming or cycling.
Once your diet and exercise start delivering inspiring results, that visceral fat can quickly start to melt away. Aim for more wholegrains, lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and of course – lots of water in your new updated diet and watch the beer belly shrink. If you’re still craving the taste, why not try beers with fewer calories or low-calorie spritzers mocktails? Or, become a tea fanatic.
If there’s one simple change you can make right now it’s to read the nutrition labels when you’re grocery shopping. The longer the list of ingredients; the unhealthier the product. Almost everything we eat has hidden sugars and unhealthy substances, so take the time to understand what you’re consuming.
Help at hand
Taking the steps to eat better and drink less alcohol means you’re actively involved in improving your health for the long run. Keep at it; it’s not just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good and staying healthy and fighting off potential diseases and illnesses. You can do it!
Images: Pexels
