Having belly fat is very frustrating and also exposes you to other health problems. Losing it, however, is not easy.
One of the main things that contribute to the accumulation of fats around the belly is sugar.
Too much sugar consumption leads to an increase in fats around the belly and a general increase in body weight.Â
While it is hard to eliminate sugar in your diet, you should reduce the amount that you take and replace it with healthier food options.Â
Sugar contributes to the accumulation of fats in the body, as explained below.
How Sugar Increases Belly Fat
Sugar causes the accumulation of fats around your tummy in several ways.
To begin with, sugar contains equal portions of glucose and fructose. When you consume it in large amounts, a lot of fructose is taken to the liver and overloads it.
As a result, the liver converts the fructose into fats which are eventually stored in your abdomen.
The other reason why sugar accelerates fat accumulation in your tummy is that you can develop insulin resistance when consumed in large amounts, you can develop insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating the number of nutrients in your bloodstream.Â
When you take in too much sugar, insulin increases, and eventually, lots of stubborn fats are stored in your tummy area. You could also have diabetes.Â
When you consume sugar in liquid form, you increase your chances of consuming more calories.Â
Usually, the brain does not recognize liquid calories in the same way it does solid calories.Â
Therefore, when you drink sweetened beverages, teas, and juices, you end up consuming lots of calories.
Unfortunately, most processed juices and sodas do not indicate the correct amount of added sugars contained in them. This is the reason why you should avoid drinking them.Â
Even worse, too much sugar makes the body resist a hormone known as leptin, which is responsible for regulating hunger. You may therefore end up overeating.
How To Reduce Consumption Sugar
- Avoid or reduce consumption of sweetened beverages, sodas, juices, and sweet teas. The brain does not register the calories contained in them.
- Replace sugar with healthy food options like proteins, healthy carbohydrates, vegetables, and nuts.
- Eat whole fruits instead of processed juices. There are high chances of adding sugar to blended juices.
- Exercise. Exercising will prevent too much release of a stress hormone known as cortisol, which increases belly fat.Â
- Eat and drink unsweetened foods and juices.
Conclusion
There is a direct connection between sugar and belly fat. Sugar can lead to the accumulation of belly fat in several ways, as outlined above.
Sugar is sweet and soothing, and it’s almost difficult to get rid of it.Â
If you are aiming at losing belly fat, start reducing the amount you consume gradually. Soon enough, you will get used to non-sugary foods and drinks in your diet.
Even as you are keen on eliminating sugar from your diet, remember to exercise and eat healthy foods. This will help you cut the belly fat and have a slimmer belly.Â