A beer belly is not necessarily caused by drinking beer!

Beer belly, also known as "general belly" or "arhat belly", is common in middle-aged men and is a vivid description of obesity in the abdomen, especially the lower abdomen. It not only involves the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, but also includes the increase of visceral fat. Although the name contains "beer", many people who never drink alcohol or never drink beer will also develop beer belly. Therefore, it is clear that the formation of beer belly is not only caused by drinking beer, but the result of multiple factors. The following are the main reasons for the formation of beer belly:

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1. Genetic causes

Genes influence fat distribution

Certain genes can influence where and how fat is stored. For example, variations in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene may make abdominal fat cells more likely to take up and store fat.

Genetics influence metabolic rate

Basal metabolic rate is affected by genetic factors. If an individual has a low basal metabolic rate, even if their eating and exercise habits are similar to others, they are more likely to accumulate excess calories and cause fat to accumulate in the abdomen.

Genetics influence hormone levels

Genetic factors may affect hormone secretion and mechanism of action, such as abnormal insulin secretion or insulin resistance, which leads to decreased blood sugar regulation ability, and excess blood sugar is converted into fat and stored preferentially in the abdomen. In addition, differences in sex hormone levels can also affect fat distribution. Men with lower androgen levels may be more likely to accumulate abdominal fat.

2. Overeating and caloric intake

Excessive calorie intake

Beer itself is high in calories, containing about 30-40 kcal per 100 ml. Drinking increases appetite, leading to the intake of more high-calorie foods, such as fried foods and meat. If the excess calories cannot be consumed in time, they will be converted into fat and accumulated in the abdomen.

Alcohol affects metabolism

Alcohol is mainly metabolized in the liver, but it will interfere with the normal metabolic function of the liver, affect the metabolism and transport of fat, and cause fat to accumulate in the abdomen and other parts of the body.

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3. Lifestyle

Lack of exercise

The modern lifestyle is mainly sedentary and lacks sufficient physical activity. Long-term sitting will reduce the body's metabolic rate and energy consumption, resulting in the inability to consume calories in time and the accumulation of abdominal fat.

Poor sleep quality

Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can affect hormone balance, especially the increased secretion of cortisol hormones. Cortisol not only increases appetite, but also makes it easier for fat to accumulate in the abdomen.

4. Physiological and disease factors

Age

As we age, our metabolism slows down, our muscle mass decreases, and our fat percentage increases. At the same time, changes in hormone levels, such as a drop in testosterone levels in men, can cause fat distribution to change, making it more likely to accumulate in the abdomen.

Disease and drug effects

Certain diseases such as Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism can affect hormone secretion and metabolism, leading to fat redistribution or slowed metabolism, causing abdominal obesity. In addition, certain drugs such as glucocorticoids and antidepressants may also cause weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation.

5. Psychological factors

Too much pressure

Being in a state of high stress for a long time will affect hormone secretion and eating habits. When under high stress, the human body will secrete hormones such as adrenaline, which stimulate appetite and make people more inclined to consume high-calorie foods, which in turn leads to abdominal fat accumulation.

Summarize

The formation of a beer belly is the result of the combined effects of multiple factors, including genetics, eating habits, lifestyle, physiological and disease factors, and psychological factors. Therefore, preventing and reducing a beer belly requires comprehensive measures, such as reducing alcohol consumption, increasing exercise, controlling diet, improving sleep quality, and managing stress. Through a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively prevent and reduce the accumulation of abdominal fat.

Source: Chongqing Science Writers Association

Author: Tang Changyan, attending physician of Chongqing Dazu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Zou Jingbo, chief technician of Zou Teacher Science Garden

Audit expert: Li Hanbin

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