Nutritionists say that belly fat is tied directly to poor eating habit. They note that eating late night dinner is a sure way to pack on extra pounds in the mid section.
Belly fat is a prominent feature among women which affects their shapes. Several Nigerian women especially socialites battle with the problem of a protruding bellies due to their need to stay in shape and vogue.
Nutritionists say that belly fat is tied directly to poor eating habit. They note that eating late night dinner is a sure way to pack on extra pounds in the mid section.
Consultant Nutritionist, Dr. Tayo Akinsanya, explains the difficulty encountered by the human body in digesting food substances when the body is in a relaxation state which is the natural activity that happens at night.
Akinsanya explains that the digestive system is bound to relax on some of its functions once the day is winding down, and meals taken during this period are often not digested or its nutrients used up. He warns that the danger that lies in this is the fact that undigested foods are later converted to calories.
He said: “While it’s true that your body naturally burns some flab as you sleep, it might not be able to efficiently do so when you go to bed on a full stomach. In fact, the body is overwhelmed when you load it with food at night so much so that it does not even touch it till the next day.
“Don’t forget that you will quickly add breakfast the next day, so the body has to digest two meals within a short while. When it eventually does in the morning, you will have excess calories because you have also eaten breakfast.
“When calories are not used up due to inactivity, the body metabolises them and turns them to fat cells, which are naturally stored around the belly. Continuous cycle of late night snacking results in a bulging belly.”
Aside from causing belly fat, Akinsanya adds that eating late and sleeping on a full stomach increase one’s risk of developing acid reflux and indigestion. To prevent these conditions, the nutritionist counsels that one should eat smaller meals at night and also delay going to bed for some hours afterwards.
“If it will be impossible for you to avoid eating at night, maybe because you close late, then I recommend that you eat like a pauper at night. It must be a very small portion and don’t lie down for at least three hours after dinner.
“I’d rather you snacked on fruit if you feel a bit hungry at night, instead of devouring a bowl of rice and meat or, a plate of solid food.”
Another Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Segun Adeoti talks about the risk posed by belly fat which may lead to some form of cancer aside causing personal discomfort for the person later. He reiterated that it may also increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Aside avoiding later night foods,getting rid of carbonated drinks will help reduce belly fat.
Source: The Punch