Many of our males appear to be pregnant. It is not an uncommon sight to see men whose swollen bellies make them look pregnant. They have what I call the male pregnancy syndrome. This condition is associated with a high incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, circulatory problems and metabolic disorders like high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid in the blood. Other seemingly unrelated conditions like chronic fatigue, erectile dysfunction, chronic back ache, acid reflux, snoring and sleep apnea are also related to this kind of obesity. Medical research suggests that a man with a waist measurement of over 39 inches will increase his risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease by over 500%! 

The Problem:

The obesity of the male pregnancy syndrome involves an accumulation of fat on the upper trunk - from the neck to the abdomen, often without the arms, legs or buttocks being involved. Doctors know this as 'apple' shaped or truncal obesity. We fibre call it 'beer belly' or 'big gut'.

This “pregnancy” fat is not just under the skin. It accumulates inside the abdominal cavity, covering and infiltrating the internal organs and is associated with the serious medical conditions mentioned above. The liver is particularly prone to be strangled by this fat creating a condition called fatty liver disease.

Excess of simple carbohydrates in the diet stimulates the overproduction of insulin and the development of a hormonal disturbance called insulin resistance. This hormonal and metabolic disorder is the underlying cause of most cases of the male pregnancy syndrome because excess insulin promotes abdominal obesity. Another hormonal imbalance, with increased levels of female hormones and lower levels of the male hormone testosterone, leads to sexual dysfunction.

Of course women, can also develop this apple type obesity. Their buttocks, legs and arms may be normal but they display the large abdomen of male pregnancy sometimes accompanied by large breasts and neck. They carry the same risks as their pregnant looking male counterparts.

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Pear shaped obesity is more common in women, with fat accumulation in the lower abdomen, thighs and buttocks, most of it located beneath the skin. This kind of fat is less active metabolically and represents stored excess calories. Experts postulate that this is nature’s way of stockpiling extra energy for the demands of pregnancy and breast-feeding. This is a much less dangerous pattern of obesity, associated with fewer medical problems.

After cigarette smoking, obesity remains the commonest preventable cause of death in the world today. Male pregnancy type obesity is a particularly common, dangerous, preventable and correctable condition.

The Solution

The usual recommendation to lose weight by just cutting back on food consumption often fails to deal with this kind of obesity. The individual may lose some weight (mostly muscle) from their arms, legs, neck and face with relatively little fat loss from the abdomen. This is particularly true of those diets that simply cut back on fats.

Much of the epidemic of abdominal obesity is due to the over consumption of carbohydrates, especially simple and refined sugars and starches.  A highly effective approach is the program that I use and developed by Herbalife International This plan minimises the body’s burden of excess carbohydrates causing the system to burn abdominal fat instead of storing it. This program focuses on fat loss rather than just weight loss. It helps you reshape and contour your body while retaining your muscle mass.

A trained weight loss coach equipped to do a body analysis estimates your body fat percentage and your ideal body weight. Based on this information, the program is then customized for you. This is the most scientific and effective way I know for healthy fat reduction.

The emphasis is placed on the right intake of healthy protein plus lots of vegetables and the less sugary fruit. Vitamin and mineral supplements are added to ensure balanced cellular nutrition. A concentrated green tea beverage stimulates the metabolism to burn fat while keen attention is paid to optimal water and fibre consumption.

Exercise:

Exercise is very important but exercise alone, especially just abdominal exercise is not effective in dealing with male pregnancy. The solution involves 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. Make nutritional changes your first priority. Then, I recommend adding 30 minutes or more of brisk walking or other aerobic activity, three to five times weekly depending on your fitness level. Then a more comprehensive exercise program including muscle building resistance training can be introduced.

You may email Dr. Vendryes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER106FM on Fridays at 8:15 pm. Access to his books and articles  is available on his website www.tonyvendryes.com