‘Pot belly can be a trigger for heart disease, cancer’

According to health experts, excess belly fat or ‘pot belly’ is a strong risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancers such as colorectal cancer.

Speaking on this, medical practitioner, Dr Matthew Ogwa said excess fat in the stomach area or ‘pot belly’ in local parlance, comes with a lot of health risks.

According to him, those with very large waistlines are susceptible to many problems especially ‘insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome.’

Said Ogwa,

“Those with insulin resistance often develop type 2 diabetes. They also tend to have high blood pressure and too much bad cholesterol, which is a recipe for heart disease”

In addition, experts say excess belly fat could pose a danger to internal organs such as the kidneys and liver.

Ogwa warned that “this type of fat, known as visceral fat is extremely dangerous as it gathers round the internal organs like the heart and kidneys, causing health problems,”

He added that people with big stomachs have higher risks of dying from cardiovascular diseases and even stroke, than those with slimmer waistlines.

Ogwa therefore warned against ‘pot bellies’ saying “if you know your belly is too big and it’s affecting your overall health and well being, it’s advisable to slim it down to avoid these health risks which can be dangerous,”

To beat this potentially dangerous condition, nutritionists recommend a adopting a holistic approach which includes combining a healthy diet with regular exercise.

Citing fatty, sugary and calorie filled foods and snacks coupled with lack of exercise and a slowing metabolism (especially in older years), as possible culprits for excess belly fat, nutritionist and lifestyle coach, Mercy Ok while speaking with The Nationnewspaper recommended a diet plan that includes less fat and sugar and more protein for curbing pot bellies.

She further advised that people with ‘pot bellies’ should regularly detox by sipping lemon or lime juice in hot water daily and also drink enough water to flush out toxins.