Refined Carbs and Belly Fat

Banish bagels — and belly fat. New research shows eating refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta can increase abdominal obesity.


Wondering where that spare tire came from? A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that your favorite comfort foods could be to blame for some of that belly fat. Researchers at Tufts University found that people who choose whole grains over refined ones have 10 percent less abdominal fat than those who eat several servings of white carbohydrates a day.

Even if you eat only a bagel or a bowl of pasta in any given day, that’s equal to three to five servings of refined starches. Belly bulge isn’t just a superficial concern; it’s dangerous too. Abdominal fat is linked to high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels and insulin resistance, all of which can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Happily, you don’t have to get rid of carbs to get rid of the belly. Just choose whole grains like whole-wheat toast and brown rice instead.