Prevention/illnesses | 18.12.2025
Are you happy with your stomach? Statistically, one in two people are not and it is the most unpopular part of the body for both men and women. As such, we should pay our stomach more attention. After all, its external appearance can give us a good idea of how to achieve greater well-being.
The upper stomach area is flat, but a little pooch protrudes from below the naval. This is not a proper belly; it is an endearing and completely harmless little bulge. The pooch is not caused by a lack of exercise, but by a challenging everyday life, the wrong or one-sided training and occasionally eating unhealthy snacks. Treat yourself to some downtime and try new types of fruit and vegetables as healthy alternatives. These should ideally be combined with healthy fats and protein forms. Add some diversity to your strength training. There are various types of plank. All help to strengthen and stabilise the entire core area better than sit-ups alone.
Our health partner savo.ch demonstrates various plank exercises in the video.
It’s designed to help us when food is scarce. To do this, it stores the calories that we don’t need directly under the skin as fat. This creates a ring of padding below and sometimes also above the waistline. This is not classed as harmful. Most people with this type of belly shape work sitting down, do little exercise and like to eat carbohydrates and confectionery. It can be combated by cutting back on such foods and taking up endurance sports such as running, swimming or cycling. Simple first steps to losing belly fat include going on brisk walks or taking the stairs instead of the lift.
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Our infographic shows the different types of carbohydrates and how they affect the body.
The entire stomach protrudes like a firm drum and can be huge in size. This is due to dangerous visceral fat that surrounds the organs, fills the stomach area and increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. It is caused by a high-calorie diet and excessive alcohol consumption combined with a lack of exercise. Losing the excess fat deposits and belly fat is far from easy and the process should be supported by a doctor, ideally in combination with nutrition and exercise coaching.
How does visceral fat work, why is it dangerous and can slim people have it too? Dr Philipp C. Nett answers these and other questions in our blog article about belly fat.
Stomach aches, intestinal problems and nausea can all be signs of a stress belly. This is because, when stressed, the body releases cortisol, which increases the appetite for high-carb snacks while also inhibiting the metabolism. The body stores the excess energy as visceral fat in the stomach, as in the case of a beer belly. Giving yourself regular breaks, relaxing, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep and daily exercise can help.
Flat in the morning, the belly bloats like a balloon over the course of the day. By the evening, it is hard, painful and hollow sounding. Intestinal bacteria digest high-fibre food and form gases that cause bloating. This can be due to food intolerances, stress or conditions such as irritated bowel syndrome. You should have yourself tested for intolerances. In the event of reactions, you can temporarily cut out certain foods and see whether and to what extent your body reacts. You can help a bloated belly by taking your time when eating, chewing well and going for a walk after your meal.
Belly fat, also known as abdominal fat, is dangerous as it can cause multiple medical conditions. For example, people with too much visceral fat around their waistline are at a heightened risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. But when does the level of fat become dangerous and what is the quickest way to burn visceral belly fat through healthy eating and exercise? Dr Philipp Nett joins fitness coach and dietician Savo Hertig to offer key information and tips.
Gynaecological examinations or ‘gyno exams’ for short are an important part of women’s healthcare, especially with regard to the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. In the event of problems or questions relating to sexuality, contraception, fertility, pregnancy or menopause, women should contact a gynaecologist. Read on to discover all about the process, the recommended examination frequency, the assumption of costs by health insurance and the supplementary insurance plans available.
Health insurance covers a wide range of important pregnancy-related services, such as check-ups, antenatal classes, midwifery care and delivery at a birth centre. Most of these costs are covered by basic health insurance without any deductible or excess. This article explains which benefits are covered and helps you look forward to a stress-free maternity.
Supplementary hospital insurance is a popular add-on to basic health insurance. But do the benefits available go beyond a more comfortable room and free choice of doctor? Who would find this insurance useful? Are any of the models particularly good value? Find the answers here.
Savo Hertig is a health coach, fitness expert and the owner of savo.ch, a functional training studio in Bern.
Rising healthcare costs lead to higher health insurance premiums. Despite this, there are still ways to save. Find out what discounts are available on basic and supplementary insurance plans.
