Potbelly in Men: Fat vs. Muscle - What's the Difference?

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
Betty,

A "potbelly" may be an indication of being overweight or obese.  However, in medicine, obesity is a calculated value.  You must be over 30% BMI (Body Mass Index) for the definition of obesity.  For women it is 32%.  Having a potbelly is where most men carry their excess fat, like women usually carry there about the thighs.  A potbelly (fat) is certainly not mucsle.  Fat does not become muscle and vice versa.  They are two different types of tissue.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net