Pot Shaped Belly, Beer Belly Causes, Myths & Exercises

The pot belly or what is called as beer belly is a problem for many people especially men. This page focuses on pot belly, its myths, causes and exercises that can reduce fat from your belly.

It is a myth that a round, pot-shaped belly or what is called as a beer belly, is caused by drinking beer. In fact, it is commonly seen in non-alcoholic people as well. Occasionally drinking beer will not cause beer belly. The pot belly is caused by excessive accumulation of fat in abdominal area. The android fat, the excess subcutaneous deposits is known as the android obesity and is also known as apple shaped obesity (apple shape body) or beer belly. The pot belly is more seen amongst males compared to females.

According to the World Health Organisation, a belly is called a pot shaped belly when the abdominal circumference in male is more than 0.9 m (90 cm) and female is 0.8 m (80 cm).

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A pot belly person with Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 30 can have many life threatening diseases like Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart diseases.

What causes a pot belly?

1. Beer belly is highly related with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and high blood pressure.
2. Eating excessive unhealthy junk foods. Eating too much fatty foods.
3. Consuming more calories than required because excess calories gets converted to fat and accumulates in the belly.
4. Digestion problems preventing food digestion.
5. Sedentary life style, insufficient exercise.
6. Does beer responsible for your beert belly?
   A beer contains 5 per cent alcohol, so a 500 ml beer contains approximately 170 calories. Consumption of only 1 beer bottle may not give you a pot belly.
   Consumption of beer drops your blood sugar level, making you lethargic, leading to reduced physical activity which increases the fat in the belly.
   Beer consumption leads to hunger pangs so you eat more, usually unhealthy foods high calorie foods.

The following tips will help you get rid of the pot belly.

1. Dietary Tips For Pot Belly
   • Consult your doctor if you have sluggish digestive system or constipation. Chronic constipation may lead to a pot belly. You should include fibrous food in your diet. to help promote the smooth movement of bowel. Eat high fiber foods
   • Avoid excessive eating. Eat frequent but small meals to help proper digestion. Eat five small meals to get rid of a pot belly.
   • Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
   • Eat less fats and sugar.
   • Avoid high calorie and high fat foods.
   • Avoid foods made of refined products.
   • Avoid foods that form excess gas. Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc. lead to a protruding tummy as these may promote gas.
   • Drink at least eight glasses of water in a day to promote bowel movement.
   • Avoid drinks with artificial sweeteners.
   • Do not drink beer.
   • Avoid soda drinks.
2. Exercise
   Exercising daily can flatten the pot belly. In addition to the exercises for belly fat, do swimming, cycling or running daily.