Causes of Belly Fat in Women

While it's a cinch to gain belly fat, losing it can be no less than a Herculean labor as the tummy is not one of those places that gets enough physical movements, unless, of course, you're a professional belly dancer! Women, especially, are an extremely harrowed lot when they start accumulating those extra inches around their tummy and waist and this concern over unwanted belly fat has got nothing to do with the age of the woman. Whether she is 40 or 18, a woman is equally miffed by an increase in the girth of her waist and she would go to any length to get rid of the extra baggage. No, it's not just about appearing unattractive to the opposite sex but also about feeling good about herself. You see, a man may be content with a beer belly if he thinks he has a loving partner but for a woman, feeling good about the way she looks in her own eyes is a matter of confidence and self-esteem, something very few of us would dare overlook.

If you are one of those who is perennially bothered by the question how to get rid of belly fat for women, the first step you need to take in order to conquer your enemy is to know it well. Once you know the causes of belly fat in women, you can work on them and gradually, but effectively, combat your way back to those figure hugging cocktail dresses and tube tops that have stayed exiled in the darkest corners of your wardrobe all this time. So, here we go....

What Causes Belly Fat in Women?

Following are some of the most common causes of belly fat in women and most of these can be easily regulated by conscious effort. Take a look at the following causes and give a thought to your habits and lifestyle in light of each point. This will help you nail the exact reason behind that tire of extra fat that encircles your abdomen.

Slow Metabolism
When your metabolism rate is slow, your body and digestive system finds it difficult to break down complex nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. As a result, fats and carbohydrates get stored inside the body, usually around the abdominal area as this is the nearest site to the digestive system as well as one of the least exercised parts of the body for an average person who does not follow an extensive exercising routine. Metabolism may be slow in some people due to some illness, genetic issues or due to advanced age. That is why it becomes more difficult to shed fats from around the abdomen, hips and upper thighs as you grow older. Also, since a lower rate of metabolism is the body's defense against starvation, fad fasting and starving to lose weight can actually lead to weight gain in the area from which it is most difficult to lose.

Poor Eating Habits
You are more likely to gain weight around the abdomen if you starve for a good part of the day and then binge on fast foods, deep-fried fare and desserts than if you keep munching on salads, dry fruits, nuts, protein bars, fresh fruits, etc. throughout the day. Remember, a small amount of processed, deep-fried, sugar rich foods eaten at odd hours does more harm to your body than evenly spaced out healthy snacks, which are actually beneficial for initiating weight loss.

Stress
Stress acts as a double-edged sword when it comes to making your body gain weight. While on one hand it increases your cravings for comfort foods like chocolates, fast food, fries, etc. due to increased cortisol and insulin levels, it slows down your metabolism on the other hand, so that all those unhealthy snacks show up around your midriff in a matter of time.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Too lazy to move a toe? Work in a closed office environment that requires you to stay glued to a computer? Well, a combination of the two aforementioned situations spell trouble! If your work schedule is such that it doesn't allow for physical movements, it is in the interest of your own health and fitness that you take some time out of your daily chores and devote it to at least an hour at the gym. If that is not possible, some light aerobics and yoga at home will also work, provided you stick to them on a continuous basis.

Hereditary Reasons
Your genes play an important role in your health and fitness department. If you've had a slow metabolism since childhood, your genes could be the culprit. Also, which part of your body has a tendency to accumulate most fats is also determined by your genes. Have you ever wondered why some women, who are hearty eaters, still manage to look so fit and athletic while many who religiously watch what goes into their mouths still end up gaining love handles? Well, unfair as it may sound but the genes decide!

How Can Women Lose Belly Fat

As I said earlier, the most effective keys for losing belly fat for women lie in the causes themselves. Pinpoint the cause, tweak your individual habits in that area and there you go! While not much can be done if gaining weight around your tummy is programmed in your genes, a healthy diet including lots of proteins, fiber and Vitamins C, regular exercising and meditation for de-stressing can go a long way in helping you lose that unattractive tire. Another tip to lose belly fat is to drink lots of water throughout the day - water imparts no calories whatsoever to the body. Following a schedule of abdominal exercises that include crunches, cardiovascular workouts and knee-ins on a regular basis will slowly but steadily help you shed all that extra baggage around the midriff.

The above mentioned causes of abdominal fat in women are responsible for belly fat in men as well. Besides these, one of the most gender specific causes can be the onset of menopause. The drastic change in the level of certain hormones often lead to an accumulation of fat around the abdomen in women. Poor posture can also be a leading reason behind a pot-bellied appearance. Excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol has been proved to contribute towards obesity as they slow down the metabolic rate of the body, lending a helping hand to fat accumulation around the waist.