Belly fat may be one of the hardest fats to get rid of, and if you eat a lot of carbs, it’ll show up around your abdomen. Although a lot of people know that lots of carbs cause weight gain, they’re mostly oblivious to how exactly that happens. So, we’re here to explain the link between carbs and belly fat!
How Carbs are Digested
Carbohydrates are macronutrients. Like anything else, when consumed in excess, it can lead to weight gain. Macronutrients like carbohydrates have a notably different way in which they are digested. First, your bread, rice, yams, chips, or donuts are broken down into glucose. This glucose can be used as an energy source by parts of the body, like the cells, tissues, muscles, and organs, depending on where it’s most needed.
However, carbs are only converted to this energy source when they are eaten in moderation. When it’s in excess, this glucose stores as glycogen or fat in the liver. This glycogen stays in the liver and only converts back to glycogen when no more carbs are consumed.
When in Excess
Insulin is a hormone that helps carry the end product of carbohydrates or glucose to different parts of the body. When one is on a high-carb diet, the insulin becomes overburdened with this task, and its glucose regulating abilities decline. Hence the energy clumps up and is stored as unhealthy fat. This fat causes an increase in waistline inches and leads to the infamous belly fat. However, not all carbs are harmful to one’s figure. Carbs in fruits, legumes, fiber-rich foods, etc. help stabilize the body’s insulin levels and contribute to a healthy waistline.
The link between carbohydrates and belly fat exists in the event of general overconsumption. Therefore, cutting back on snacks, processed sugars in carbonated drinks, junk foods, and refined foods will help you eliminate your belly fat and keep your waist looking great.
