Potbelly in Men: Fat vs. Muscle & Health Implications

Question
I was wondering if a man has a potbelly, if that means he is overweight or could the potbelly be just muscle?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Men tend to get fat deposits around their abdomens, so don't believe him when he says it's just muscle.  These fat deposits can be dangerous if they are near the organs (causing insulin resistance and other conditions).  Unfortunately, there's no way to tell by looking at a "potbelly" if the person has the dangerous fat (near the organs) or if it is sequestered, so to speak, or fenced off away from the organs.  So, the best way to prevent problems associated with abdomenal fat is to play it safe and work to lose it.  My advice: Approach him with kindness, but let him know it's not benign to carry that around.

Maggie Smith, RN, MSN