A recent study says that having a “beer belly” could be a more serious problem than just people not being able to see the shoes on their feet.
Metabolic syndrome, also known as “Beer Belly Syndrome,” is a condition often associated with a cluster of health problems ,including a beer belly, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol readings and high blood sugar.
A survey released this month by the third National Health and Nutrition Examination found that 47 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, which causes diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased mortality.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases from 6.7 percent among people ages 20 through 29 years to 43.5 percent for people aged 60 through 69 years. The problem affects about 1 in 5 Americans.
Debra Harmon, a nutritionist with the Center for Holistic Health, 2193 Association Drive in Okemos, said fast food and lack of exercise are two factors of the condition.
“Students should eat more natural foods instead of fast food and red meat,” Harmon said. “Also, the amount of stress a student has can cause increased cholesterol and blood pressure. One good way to relieve this stress is by meditation.”
Although experts say metabolic syndrome may be caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, Harmon said the condition may be harder to beat if it’s genetic.
“High cholesterol has a strong genetic component,” she said. “If you have the gene that predisposes you to this condition, you can make lifestyle changes, but you will always be predisposed to it.”
Joe Bell, owner of The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E. Grand River Ave., said customers who have “beer bellies” are older and consume more fatty foods.
“We say these people are ‘bought and paid for,’” Bell said. “Some drinkers don’t eat and stay pretty thin. Others drink too much but stay pretty active so they don’t get a beer belly.”
Dietetics junior Kristin Gebhard said her studies makes her more aware of the warning signs associated with the disorder.
“The people I know who have beer bellies are mostly guys,” she said. “They’re the football-watching, beer-drinking guys who think they don’t need to exercise anymore.”
Gebhard said her friends make resolutions to lose their gut, but never follow through.
“It’s always a New Year’s resolution with them, or they decide to stop eating or join (a gym), but never decide to give up alcohol,” she said.
