Many languages have sayings that suggest either rest or a brisk walk after a meal , and doctors are increasingly coming down in favor of the latter . Walking after meals can reduce chances of a fat belly as it burns glucose from food before it is stored as fat in the stomach . " It ' s possible to reduce the amount of glucose if you move lightly and burn it after meals before it ' s stored as fat , " said Lee Yong - je at Yonsei University ' s Severance Hospital in Gangnam . " Taking a stroll for about 20 minutes after meals can prevent the accumulation of fats in the body . " Nutrients turn into fat quickly if people sit or lie down immediately after meals . " The longer you sit after meals , the higher the risk of metabolic syndrome , " Lee added . " What ' s particularly bad is lying down after meals because gastric acid keeps flowing back up the esophagus , which can lead to stomach disorders like chronic acid reflux . "   	 Copyright ⓒ Chosunilbo & Chosun . com