Belly fat is more common in men than in women. Although, heavy drinking is greatly associated with a pot belly, there are other causes too. Know what causes belly fat in men, in this article.
Men with rotund bellies are becoming a common sight everywhere. Earlier men in middle ages were more susceptible to accumulation of fat on stomach. However, these days even young men in their twenties are seen flaunting a paunch. While women tend to store fat on their thighs and buttocks, men are more prone to carry it around their mid section. Apart from genetic predisposition, there are several other belly fat causes. Belly fat in men is particularly dangerous as it paves way for many cardiovascular diseases.
What Causes Stomach Fat in Men
When waist size for a man exceeds 40 inches, it can be an indication of severe accumulation of stomach fat. This is when the man cannot see his feet due to the large size of his tummy. There are various reasons why more and more men are falling prey to pot bellies. Here are a few of them.
Genetic Predisposition
Although, men are more likely to carry fat around midsection than women, some men show an even greater tendency to gather fat. Often, pot bellies seem to run in the families. Hence, if you have male relatives with large bellies, then you have very high chances of inheriting one. Genetic predisposition also makes you vulnerable to many cardiovascular diseases that originate from a large belly. These include high blood pressure, stroke etc.
Age
As you age, your body goes on losing muscle mass. This adversely affects the rate of calorie combustion in the body. Your body burns fewer calories than it did when you were young. If at this stage, you do not restrict your calorie intake and go on having the same diet which you did in your twenties, then your body will most likely convert the excess calories in fat and store it on your stomach for future use.
There is a reason why your body chooses your tummy to store the excess fat rather than any other part. This is because stomach is located in the middle of the body, hence whenever a need to redistribute fat arises, your body does not waste calories in transporting them to distant organs. Thus, you need to make sure that you either cut down your intake of calories or look for a way to burn calories on your own. Any form of physical exercise can prevent your body from storing excess fat.
Lifestyle
Lack of exercises, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating and drinking habits are the prime causes of belly fat in young men. Although, beer belly is often associated with drinking beer, any type of alcoholic beverage (sparing wine) has pretty much the same effect on your belly. Hence, it is a must that you limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
Similarly, eating spicy, oily, processed food has adverse effect on the fat burning mechanism in your body. Lack of physical activity is yet another unhealthy aspect of modern lifestyle which contributes to bigger bellies in men. It is a must that you indulge in some kind of physical activity to kickstart the fat burning mechanism in your body. Cardio exercises such as running, jogging, cycling, swimming etc., are ideal exercises to lose belly fat. Simple exercises such as climbing stairs can also show positive effects on belly fat.
Remember, belly fat in men can pose a serious threat to the health of a concerned individual. Hence, it is a must that you take certain measures to keep it under control.
