Want to Know Why You Store Belly Fat?

Have you ever wondered why we are in a constant battle with our mid-section? You know... that unsightly bulge we keep covering up by wearing oversize clothes. Yes, that bulge I'm talking about is excessive belly fat that grows around our waist. If we don't do something about it, it will only get worse.

It used to be that as women, we worried more about our hips and thighs. But now... our midsection is the bulk of our concerns, and for good reasons. Belly fat is the most common type of obesity. Just look around you! It's not hard to recognize somebody with excessive fat around their mid-section. Although, it is equally common for men, women have an even greater fat increase than men do.

What's going on here?

Before we talk about how to reduce belly fat and ways of keeping it off, it's important to understand what causes belly fat. Lack of exercise and bad eating habits can contribute to belly fat, but there are other major causes of belly fat.

Stress

Yes, this tops the list. When you are under stress, your body releases the hormone called cortisol. Cortisol stimulates the fat storage around the belly.

You often will feel hungry and tend to eat more, which can lead to weight gain.

Genetics

Okay, I know you probably heard there are two body types: apple body and pear body shapes.

If you are a pear shape, then you tend to accumulate fat in the lower parts of your body. But, for an apple shape, you tend to store fat in the abdomen and the midsection.

There is not to much you can do about genetics because it's a part of family history. If your mom, sisters, or aunts tend to store fat in their midsections then most likely you will have the same family trait.

Improper digestion

If you tend to overeat it can lead to various gastrointestinal problems such as: gas and bloating.

Also, if you eat late at night, food don't digest properly.

Menopause

One of the main causes of belly fat in women is menopause.

After women go through menopause fat begins to store around the tummy and other areas of the body. This is due to hormonal changes.

Alcoholism

Before you take another sip of that drink, understand where those calories are going! Yep, that's right...your mid-section!

When you drink an excessive amount of alcohol, calories are often stored around the belly area.

Your body want burn those calories as fast because alcohol decreases the rate of metabolism.

A slow metabolism can cause extra belly fat.

Poor Posture

Your parents always told you to stop slouching and stand up straight? Well, they were on to something!

If you have poor body posture, it can leave you with the appearance of a "pot-belly". Practice good posture. It can make a difference with your appearance.

What Can You Do About Your Belly Fat?

First of all, you have to determine why you have belly fat. If it's because you follow a lazy lifestyle and eating the wrong types of food without any physical activity, then you will have to exercise and include a healthy diet.

You can also find ways to reduce stress through techniques such as: yoga and relaxation therapy. If you, occasionally, drink alcohol - make sure it is in moderation. Otherwise, don't drink at all. Alcoholism is a habit you really don't want to pickup.

Fit2Hoop › Belly Fat