What Causes Belly Fat

Obesity is one of the most common health problems throughout the world. Numerous factors such as over-eating, lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyle are responsible for being overweight. Belly fat or abdominal fat is the most common type of obesity. It is also known as visceral fat, spare tire or pot belly. This type of obesity is most difficult to lose. Belly fat is equally common in men and women. It not only affects your appearance, but also causes a number of health problems. It can cause type 2 diabetes, elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure leading to heart disease or stroke. Various genetic, physical and mental factors are responsible for belly fat. Let's understand in detail what causes belly fat.

Causes of Belly Fat

Major causes of belly fat are genetics, improper digestion, stress, menopause, slow metabolism, lack of exercise and excess eating.

Stress: According to researches, belly fat can result from stress. When you are under stress, the cortisol hormone is released. Cortisol stimulates the fat storage around the belly. When you are stressed, you often feel hungry and tend to eat more, which can lead to excess weight gain.

Genetics: There are two body types such as apple body and pear body shapes. In case of pear-shaped body, fat accumulation is in the lower parts of the body. Fat stored in the abdomen and middle portion causes apple-shaped body. Most people have apple-shaped body. If any of your parents have such body type, then you are at a higher risk of developing belly fat.

Slow metabolism: Metabolism rate is a major contributing factor in abdominal fat. A slower metabolism causes less burning of calories and excess accumulation of fats. You can increase the basal metabolic rate (BMR) with the help of a nutritious and balanced diet and regular exercises.

Improper digestion: Over-eating and improper digestion can lead to a number of gastrointestinal problems. It causes gases and bloating. Eating late at night can also interfere with proper digestion of food. Going to bed immediately after meals also increases the risk of fat storage around the abdominal area.

Lack of exercises: If you follow a lazy lifestyle and keep on eating without any physical activity, then it can lead to obesity and accumulation of belly fat. It is very essential to burn calories through exercises to maintain a healthy body weight.

Poor posture: Poor body posture can leave you with a paunch or 'pot belly' appearance. The proper posture makes a great difference in your appearance.

Alcoholism: Alcohol decreases the rate of metabolism and increases obesity. Calories obtained from excess alcoholism are often stored around the abdominal area.

Menopause: Menopause is one of the main reasons for belly fat in women. After menopause, many women tend to accumulate fat around the tummy due to hormonal changes.

How to Reduce Belly Fat

Many people think that belly fat can be reduced by means of weight loss. But, that is not enough to remove belly fat. You should opt for special dietary regimen to lose belly fat like a healthy abs diet that has the proper balance of fibers, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Taking up an exercise regimen is the best way to get rid of belly fat. Opting for strength training exercises and aerobic exercises like running and jogging, swimming and brisk walking can prove helpful. Aerobic exercises contribute a lot towards fat burning.

In order to prevent belly fat, you should follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet balanced with regular exercises. You can also opt for the stress management techniques like meditation, yoga and relaxation therapies to relieve stress. Staying away from bad habits like alcoholism can be helpful.