Abdominal fat refers to the fat accumulation around the belly area. Excess fat puts additional strain on the organs, leading to severe conditions like asthma and heart disease. However, when people are aware of what causes belly fat, they can build positive habits and upgrade their overall health.
Keep reading to learn the top five causes of abdominal fat.
Sugar-Rich Diet
Processed food like candy, sodas, and hamburgers is full of sugar and has negative health implications. These foods minimize the body’s fat-burning abilities, leading to weight gain and a slow-functioning metabolism. Additionally, a low protein intake prevents weight loss by causing overeating. Protein makes the body feel full, and people who eat a lot of processed food don’t feel satisfied with regular-sized portions.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Increased alcohol intake can lead to liver failure, but it can also negatively affect a person’s appearance, causing fat to form around the abdominal area.
High Stress Levels
When in crisis, the body calms itself by releasing cortisol. The hormone regulates our behavior in stressful situations. Many people find comfort in eating their favorite food. Cortisol helps those calories stick around the belly area, making it harder to lose weight.
Lack of Exercise
A balanced lifestyle entails burning off extra calories through physical activity. People who don’t get enough exercise have no way of balancing out their calorie intake and are more prone to obesity and developing heart disease. These extra calories latch onto the soft belly area, causing excessive abdominal fat.
Poor Sleep Quality
Lack of sleep affects our appetites, so we’ll often find ourselves reaching for second helpings after a sleepless night. People who don’t get enough sleep also have higher cortisol production, so the hormone will ensure those calories accumulate near the abdominal area.
Abdominal fat can be difficult to lose when you’re unaware of what’s causing it. When you’re familiar with why the fat is so stubborn, you can make changes that will positively impact your lifestyle.
