I can’t lose my belly
Dear Donovan,
I am a football referee and I am usually physically active on a daily basis right throughout the week, but I can’t seem to lose my belly. I’m 26 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and I weigh 160 pounds. I hardly eat breakfast and for lunch I have fried chicken and sometimes turkey neck. Dinner is usually stewed chicken and rice. My mid-afternoon snack is usually a sandwich biscuit with bag juice or soda. I referee a football match at least four times per week and I have an organised exercise session every Saturday where I do drills for at least two hours. But my belly refuses to go. Any advice?
A large gut is not just unsightly but also particularly risky in men. It is not just that fat is under the skin of the stomach, but it may also lie deeper, covering the internal organs. Several studies have shown that despite one’s overall weight, a large waist circumference is associated with many chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Therefore, by some means this gut will have to be reduced immediately.
You mentioned that overall you are not fat but it is just your stomach region that is. I am thinking two main factors might be responsible for your large gut. It is possible that genetics could be partially responsible. This can play a part in where you store your fat. In some cases more fat is stored in the stomach region of one person compared to another.
In addition, I have also noticed that in some people who have a history of diabetes in their family, their stomachs usually tend to be a little larger than normal. Therefore, check to see if your family has a history of diabetes.
That aside, I also think that your diet is contributing to your belly fat. First of all, you don’t usually eat breakfast. This might make you a little more hungry at lunchtime. Therefore, if possible, try not to skip any meals. Also, soda, bag juice, rice, fried foods and bread are perfect recipes contributing to a large gut, coupled with the fact that you may be eating late at night. These kinds of foods can also lead to constipation, resulting in a backup of some of the food you eat.
I would therefore suggest that you speak with a professional about doing a five to nine-day detox programme. This is in essence a tool to clear the intestines. Once this is done the stomach should be flatter and softer. At this stage the stomach muscles will have to be toned up.
In addition, try and reduce some of the carbohydrates in your diet. You could instead eat more salads, fruits, soups, vegetables and vegetable juices. These will provide more fibre and keep the gut clean. It is also important that you make these changes permanent, otherwise your stomach will remain large.
Once you reduce your carbohydrates and sodas you should see some weight loss. Once you see weight loss you will lose weight from the stomach as well. If possible, try to incorporate a few more exercise sessions per week. You could focus more on those exercises that will tone the gut. Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
