Abdominal obesity
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Abdominal obesity is a physical trait characterised by a horizontal overhang of body fat above the waist, often with little apparent fat on the rest of the body. There is little scientific evidence that beer drinkers are more prone to abdominal obesity, despite it being known colloquially as beer belly, beer gut, or pot belly. One of the few studies conducted on the subject did not find that beer drinkers are more prone to abdominal obesity than nondrinkers or drinkers of wine or spirits.[1].
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[edit] Prevalence
Most studies show that the trait of abdominal obesity is genetically influenced, although one study purpoits to show it is associated with drinking. A lack of muscle tone in the abdominal muscles contributes to the appearance of the beer belly, with the overhang often increasing with age.[citation needed]
[edit] Beer and weight gain
The primary energy-bearing constituents of beer are alcohol and carbohydrates; beer has no fat and very little protein content. Beer generally contains less food energy than juice or milk. Light beers and low-alcohol beers carry less calories than other beers.[2]
[edit] Beer belly reduction
The most effective way of trimming down a beer belly is believed to be the same as for reducing fat in other areas of the body. This involves reducing caloric intake or increasing caloric expenditure through increased activity, such as aerobic exercise and strength training. Contrary to popular belief, working the abdominal muscles doesn't target the fat next to the muscle. However, working those muscles may reduce the appearance of the beer belly by developing stronger and more toned muscles to pull the beer belly inwards.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Bobak M, Skodova Z, Marmot M. Beer and obesity: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:1250–3. This study is also mentioned in "Why the beer belly may be a myth", BBC, 12 October, 2003
- ^ Beer Alcohol and Calories; Alcohol and Calorie Content of About 150 Popular Beers
[edit] External links
- Why the beer belly may be a myth
- Drink binges 'cause beer belly'
- Beer belly 'gene' found
- Oxford Dictionary Entry
- How to Get Rid of Belly Fat
Categories: Articles to be expanded since February 2007 | All articles to be expanded | Articles with unsourced statements since January 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles lacking sources from January 2007 | All articles lacking sources | Alcohol abuse | Drinking culture | Obesity
