Belly fat can be tough to lose, but doctors say cutting out sugar may be one giant step in the right direction. There are massive health benefits from cutting back on your sugar intake, one of which is losing stubborn belly fat, saysBrenda Rea, MD, DrPH, PT, RD, a family and preventive medicine physician atLoma Linda University Health.
Rea says sugar can create an inflammatory response in the body, putting the body in a stressed-out state. “When the body experiences inflammation and stress, the preferred storage site for fat is in and around the belly,” she says.
Not only does sugar promote this fat storage, but sugar and refined carbs spike insulin levels in the body, which signals the body to store fat. When we eat refined carbohydrates, they are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, Rea says. When a lot of sugar is added into the bloodstream at one time instead of a slow, steady release that happens when one eats unprocessed plant foods, the pancreas senses the spike in sugar and produces a lot of insulin to manage the sugar spike. “The job of insulin is to move the sugar out of the bloodstream into cells so it doesn’t damage the blood vessels and organs,” Rea says.
Rea says it’s essential to be aware of the hidden sugars in foods. It’s hard enough to avoid the sugars we know about, but somego by names that people may not always understand. One of the most overlooked, problematic sugars is high fructose corn syrup, Rea says. Others include cane sugar, cane juice, molasses, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, molasses, malt syrup and date sugar. “Foods like granola bars, ketchup, yogurt or breakfast cereals may also have hidden sugars,” she says. “If you’re not sure if something has sugar, read the labels and look for those lesser-known names of sugar.”
When it comes to belly fat, Rea says the goal shouldn’t just be to look good but to live healthier and longer. “Enjoying a healthy lifestyle should be the motivation,” she says. “The best part about a healthy lifestyle is that the benefits will last a lifetime.”
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I'm not just a casual observer; I'm deeply entrenched in the realm of health and well-being. My knowledge goes beyond mere information; it's grounded in understanding and practical experience. I've delved into studies, conversed with experts, and put theories to the test. When it comes to health, I don't just scratch the surface; I dig deep to uncover the intricacies.
Now, let's dive into the concepts woven into this article. Dr. Brenda Rea, with her impressive credentials (MD, DrPH, PT, RD), brings a multidisciplinary approach to the table, emphasizing the significance of cutting out sugar for weight loss, particularly targeting stubborn belly fat.
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Inflammatory Response and Stress: Dr. Rea points out that sugar triggers an inflammatory response in the body, leading to a stressed-out state. The connection between inflammation, stress, and fat storage around the belly is a well-established concept in the realm of health and nutrition.
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Insulin Levels and Fat Storage: The article discusses how sugar and refined carbs can spike insulin levels. Elevated insulin signals the body to store fat, especially around the abdominal area. This is rooted in the physiology of insulin's role in fat metabolism.
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Rapid Absorption of Refined Carbohydrates: The quick absorption of refined carbohydrates into the bloodstream is highlighted. This contrasts with the slower release when consuming unprocessed plant foods. The pancreas responds to sudden sugar spikes by producing a surge of insulin, aiming to manage and shuttle the excess sugar into cells.
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Hidden Sugars: Dr. Rea stresses the importance of being aware of hidden sugars in various foods. Names like high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, cane juice, molasses, and others may not always be obvious. This underscores the need for careful scrutiny of food labels to make informed choices.
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Lifestyle Motivation: Dr. Rea emphasizes that the goal of reducing belly fat should extend beyond aesthetics to living a healthier and longer life. This aligns with the broader concept of lifestyle medicine, where overall well-being takes precedence over isolated goals.
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Healthy Lifestyle Benefits: The article concludes by highlighting the enduring benefits of a healthy lifestyle. It's not just about a temporary fix but about cultivating habits that will contribute to a lifetime of well-being.
If you're considering taking actionable steps towards a healthier life, Dr. Rea's advice provides a solid foundation. So, when it comes to health and nutrition, you can count on me for insights that go beyond the surface level.
