A number of studies have shown excess sugar can lead to an increased accumulation of fat in the belly and liver. “Cut down on excess and added sugar, especially fructose,” advises Dr Luke James, medical director, UK Insurance at Bupa UK. He adds: “Sugar-sweetened drinks, and in particular fructose-sweetened ones, have been shown in some research to cause higher levels of belly fat than other types of sugars. Though you should aim to reduce how much refined sugar you have in your diet overall. “If you have a high intake of sugar, it’s been suggested by some experts that your liver can’t handle it and processes it in a way that results in damage to your health.