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Anatomy of a Potbelly

Featuring: Michael Schwartz, MD

Ever wonder what makes a potbelly protrude in that characteristic way? Or why some potbellies are so surprisingly hard to the touch? Sorry, no, those aren’t abs of steel — that’s something called “visceral fat,” and in this episode of Get a Whole Life, Pilar talks with someone who has seen a lot of it (and a lot of potbellies) up close and personal.

Michael Schwartz, MD, PhD, has been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1978, and is one of the heads of bariatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. He joins us to give us an insider’s look at what goes on inside a potbelly, how potbellies are formed, and the dangers they pose to our health.

Learn about the special “metabolically active” nature of visceral fat, and why it causes far more health risks than the subcutaneous, “pinch an inch” fat that sits just under our skin.

Dr. Schwartz and Pilar discuss the best ways and reasons to avoid developing a potbelly in the first place. They also have a brief but lively discussion about the pros and cons of bariatric surgery as one option for those who are 100 or more pounds overweight.

For more on HealthEast Bariatric Care and Dr. Schwartz’s work, visit www.healtheast.org/bariatric.

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