Abdominal fat is bad for your health. Here’s where it comes from and how to lose it.
- Abdominal fat increases the risk of various diseases: type 2 diabetes, cancers, sudden death, high blood pressure.
- Diet is the first factor favoring the development of abdominal fat.
- Stress and sleep are two other major risk factors.
Type 2 diabetes, cancer, sudden death… Abdominal fat increases the risk of various diseases. Often, it is attributed to the passing years and gradual weight gain. But certain factors increase the risk of fat accumulation in this specific area of the body.
Diet and stress as risk factors for abdominal fat
Abdominal fat is visible physically, at the level of the stomach. But beyond aesthetics, several organs can be affected by the fat present in this location – such as the liver, stomach, intestines, etc. -, which increases the risk of certain diseases: hypertension, cholesterol, cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies.
Diet is the first risk factor. If you eat foods that are very sugary, high in saturated fat and/or ultra-processed, you are more likely to develop belly fat.
If you want to lose weight and especially abdominal fat, avoid alcohol. Often these drinks are very sweet. “Alcohol can raise blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) if the drink contains a lot of carbohydrates.“, explain Diabetes Quebec. This is particularly the case for cocktails, kir, cider…
Reduce stress and sleep better to beat belly fat
Another factor: stress. Indeed, according to a study published in the journal Neuron, chronic stress affects the brain’s natural response to satiety, disrupting appetite regulation. Reward signals are heightened, leading stressed people to overindulge in foods high in calories, sugar and fat.
According to a study published in the journal Journal of the American College of Cardiologypeople who don’t get enough sleep tend to eat more and store this bad fat in the abdominal area, even in young, healthy and thin people.
Last risk factor: hormonal changes. This is especially the case in women, who may have hormonal imbalances at certain times in their lives, particularly during menopause. In addition, according to this article, stress and lack of sleep could also cause hormonal imbalance and promote the accumulation of bad fats in the belly.
Before starting a drastic diet to lose belly weight, first try to review your diet, consume less alcohol, reduce your stress and sleep better.
