As we get older, we gain more belly… Here’s why.
- Abdominal fat generally increases with age.
- This comes from different factors, including lack of physical activity, diet, hormonal changes and sleep.
- Metabolism also plays an important role because, as we age, the body burns fewer calories.
As the years go by, most of us tend to gain weight. But why does fat accumulate there? This comes from several factors: decreased muscle strength, lack of physical activity, an unbalanced diet, age-related hormonal changes, metabolism and sleep.
Stomach gain as we age: several factors involved
“The belly grows by reduction of the muscles of the abdominal wallexplains Dr Olivier Dupuy, head of the endocrinology and diabetology department of theParis Saint-Joseph hospitalAt Women’s Journal. The older we get, the more muscle mass and strength decrease. This is what we call the sarcopenia.”
In adulthood, the pace of life – work and managing children – often limits opportunities for physical activity. However, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity sport or 75 to 150 minutes of sustained intensity per week.
“Lack of physical activity, combined with an increase in caloric intake, promotes the increase in visceral fat“, indicates Dr Olivier Dupuy. In addition, if you consume very sugary foods, rich in saturated fats and/or ultra-processed foods, you have a greater risk of developing abdominal fat.
Another factor that can explain abdominal fat: hormonal changes. This is especially the case in women, who can have imbalances at certain times in their lives, particularly during menopause. In men, decreased testosterone promotes abdominal fat.
Sleep well to avoid gaining belly weight as you age
Metabolism also plays an important role. With age, the body burns fewer calories… This comes in particular from muscles because young people have more muscles. And the more muscular the body is, the more calories it expends at rest.
Finally, last explanatory factor: sleep. 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!
So, to stay slim, it is important to practice regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet and sleep well!
