What’s the secret behind Indian men and their potbellies?

Indian men and their potbellies are an eternal saga! Jokes apart, while we drool over the taut abs and packs on celluloid stars and celebrities, the reality of body standards within the country is drastically different. Our fathers and grandfathers happily sport round bellies, their mid-sections so large, they can give pregnant women a run for their money. But why is it that Indian men find themselves getting rounder with age?

Indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Sujith S R, Functional Medicine Specialist and Senior Medical Officer at Vieroots Biohack Centre and found out the truth behind this phenomenon.

According to him, Indian men often report potbellies and larger midsections due to a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

“Potbelly primarily results from fat deposition in the abdominal area, driven by several key factors. A diet high in cereals and starch elevates glucose levels, and when this glucose is not utilized due to hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, it is converted into fat,” said Sujith.

What’s the culprit?

He explained that Indian diets often lack sufficient protein, particularly from non-vegetarian sources, exacerbating this issue. “Many individuals experience insulin resistance, where high amounts of insulin, the storage hormone, cannot be effectively utilised, leading to central obesity as insulin converts unutilized glucose into fat.”

According to the doctor, hormonal imbalances, including deficiencies in progesterone and testosterone, prevent glucose from being converted into energy, resulting in fat storage.

Poor gut health, characterized by a lack of beneficial bacteria, can disrupt glucose metabolism, contributing to abdominal fat accumulation. He shared that a good probiotic can improve gut health, thereby reducing the poor bellies.

“Regular alcohol consumption and conditions like fatty liver disease are significant contributors to the development of a potbelly. Stress further exacerbates this condition by triggering the production of estrogen from the adrenal glands, promoting fat deposition in the belly area,” said Sujith.

“Regular alcohol consumption and conditions like fatty liver disease are significant contributors to the development of a potbelly (Source- Freepik)

So, what can be done?

To prevent developing a potbelly, it is essential to adopt a balanced diet rich in proteins, including sources from non-vegetarian foods, while reducing high-starch and high-sugar foods. Sujith recommended engaging in regular physical activity, including both aerobic exercises and strength training, can improve metabolism and reduce fat.

“Taking magnesium will try to reduce insulin resistance and adding natural complex vitamin E, can help in reducing the fatty liver and a good probiotic,” he said.

Managing stress through practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help prevent hormonal imbalances that lead to fat deposition.

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