WebMD is offering another of its very informative quizzes. This time on the subject of belly fat and what are the best and worst foods for promoting it.
You can take the quiz if you have the time and the inclination. There are 14 questions. I recommend that you do because it covers a broad spectrum of info on this important subject.
If you don’t have the time or the inclination to take it, however, (Spoiler alert!) here are the answers for what I consider three of the most important questions.
Calories from alcohol are worse for belly fat than other calories. True/False?
True “Excess calories — whether from alcohol, sweetened beverages, or oversized portions of food — can increase belly fat. Our bodies need calories, yet gram for gram, alcohol has almost as many calories as fat.
“Alcohol does seem to have a particular association with an increased waistline, though. In general, that’s because when you drink alcohol, your liver is too busy burning off alcohol to burn off fat, leaving you with a beer belly. Studies show that alcohol can cause you to feel hungry by affecting hormones that regulate a sense of satiety.”
My second most important question was: Fast food can contribute to belly fat because …
“Many fast food options are typically high-fat, calorie-dense foods that are eaten in large portions — all of which contribute to over-consumption of calories, weight gain, and an increase in belly fat when eaten frequently. Many fast food restaurants don’t provide nutritional information, but studies have shown that when this is available, people tend to pick lower-calorie meals.”
The third critical question was a multiple choice: Belly fat has been linked to which of the following health problems: Heart disease, Osteoporosis, Dementia, All of the Above.
Belly fat appears to be especially bad for the heart. Studies have linked belly fat to heart failure, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular problems. It also has been associated with osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
The best foods include green tea, blueberries and soy.
I have covered belly fat in a number of posts on the blog:
What is the best exercise to trim belly fat?
Too much belly fat raises your chances of dying
What are the dangers of a big waistline?
Tony
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 
I was looking for an answer to the “best” foods alluded to in the title? Yes, alcohol. Sigh. It’s such a shame it causes so much trouble!
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Thanks, Vinny. Good catch. I have added, “The best foods include green tea, blueberries and soy.”
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That’s good news! I’ve replaced about 80% of the wine I used to drink with green tea – and I’m even liking it 🙂
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You’re one up on me. I put green tea into my morning smoothie and also my energy drink while biking, but still don’t care for the taste of it.
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Are you careful when you make it? The water has to be below the boiling point (check instructions for the actual temp) and it should sit for only 2 minutes. If I deviate from that, it gets too bitter and unpleasant. If I follow directions, I love it even without milk. Just a thought…
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Maybe that’s it. Mr. Lazy Cook dumps boiling water on top and steeps for 5 minutes. Will have to try it your way. Thanks!
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Many with belly fat are insulin resistant, which means that substantial intake of carbs (whether in the form of beer or bread, pasta or cereals) increases your insulin levels. Insulin tries to reduce your blood sugar levels, but also acts as a fat-retaining hormone. Bottom line: eat / drink too many carbs and you’ll get fatter, no matter how much you exercise!
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