the science of male belly fat

Jay H · 10-Jul-06, 09:31 AM

Got a question. Stick with me here, 'cause it's not as simple as it sounds.

Does anyone know of any published, peer-reviewed research that has been done on the question of pathological (i.e., not diet/exercise-related) central adiposity ("pot belly") in men? I've heard some folks say that an ample gut is not always the result of excess body fat or lack of exercise...that some men's abdominal walls are thinner than others', and this causes a slight protrusion of the inner organs, resulting in a beer-gut look. But I can't seem to find much on this question, even on PubMed. I've also heard that it's sometimes a posture thing...you know, that bad posture can cause long-term tummy bloat.

Here's why I ask: my Dad was always skinny as a rail (like me), but he has always had a large, round, tight pot belly (almost as if he was pregnant). He also has diabetes, and at one point they told him that he had a diabetes-related growth of some sort in his abdomen. I have a slightly overweight gut myself, but neither diet nor exercise (> 1 year) seems to have any effect on it. I still have a healthy WHR (< 1.0), but I'm starting to worry that all my cutting and cardio is for naught. The changes just aren't forthcoming. I am of course open to the idea that I'm just not working hard enough or am being too impatient, but I'm also exploring possible medical reasons why I'm not seeing any progress.

So what's the deal? Anyone ever hear anything authoritative on the question of just a plain ol' genetic/pathological paunch? Please note that I'm looking for expert information, preferably with source citations. I'm not interested in thoughtless gym-rat blather like "do more cardio/crunches", even if it comes from CPTs.

Thanks.

**Lady C** · 10-Jul-06, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay H

Please note that I'm looking for expert information, preferably with source citations.

I don't think anyone of us would be considered an "expert". Maybe you had better ask this question on a medical site instead.

Jay H · 10-Jul-06, 11:52 AM

Probably a good idea. I was just wondering if anyone else on this site had come across info on this topic.

10-Jul-06, 11:59 AM

Lady C called it right and you should probably post this on a medical web site.....especially because I was going to suggest using stomach vacuums to train the transversus (an internal muscle that serves to pull the abdominal wall back). A weak transversus can cause a pot belly.

But hey, you should probably get a doctors opinion. I'm just a gym rat.