The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a strategic approach to eradicate “transfat” from national food supplies due to its association with 7% of global cardiovascular disease cases. But did you know studies also show that transfat in your diet can increase belly fat, even if you’re careful about how many calories you eat at the end of the day. Not only does transfat lead to overall weight gain, it is suspsected to cause a redisstribution of fat tissue to the abdominal area from other areas of the body! Belly fat is a growing concern in women due to several reasons. Apart from increasing risk factors for diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, belly fat can affect how clothes fit and women may struggle to find clothes that fit comfortably around their body shape. Struggling with belly fat can take a toll on women’s emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and even depression or anxiety in some cases. Therefore, pinpointing the causes of belly fat in women is essential for addressing them and attaining a more toned midsection. So, here are 5 Main Reasons For Belly Fat in Women.
1. High Amount of Added Sugar in the Diet:
Excessive intake of sugars, whether from refined sugar, jaggery, or honey, tends to be stored as fat in the body, especially around the belly area. Consistent consumption of white sugar, sugary drinks, and added sugars found in processed foods like candies and cookies contributes significantly to expanding waistlines. When purchasing processed foods, carefully check the ingredients list to avoid sugars like sugar syrup, fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and others. Reducing sugar from the diet is the first step in fighting belly fat.
2. Leading a Sedentary Lifestyle:
Spending extended hours seated at a desk job, ranging from 8 to 11 hours, heightens the likelihood of gaining belly fat and developing various other lifestyle-related health issues. It’s essential to interrupt prolonged sitting by standing up every 30 to 60 minutes. Merely exercising for an hour at the gym may not be enough if the remainder of your day is spent sitting on a chair or on the couch. Strive to achieve 8000 to 10,000 steps daily, incorporate short walks after meals, and whenever you receive a phone call, take the opportunity to stand up and move around while conversing.
3. Work Stress Could Be The Culprit:
Studies have shown that when there’s a high amount of insulin and stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream, they stimulate the activity of lipoprotein lipase which is an enzyme that facilitates fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area. Work stress with long working hours tend to turn sugary treats and high-carb foods to tackle stress, but this activity triggers insulin spike which in combination with cortisol can build up belly fat. So, instead of turning to food to de-stress, turn to exercise which in turn would also torch up significant calories!
4. Diet is Low in Protein:
Insufficient protein intake can make it a bit difficult to lose belly fat. Protein plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, muscle repair, and also appetite control. When protein intake is low, it can affect metabolism, making it easier for the body to store excess calories as fat, and also make it difficult to lose tummy fat. When protein intake is compromised (which is a more filling and satisfying macronutrient), people may turn to other high-calorie, less filling foods that may increase overall calorie intake, increasing weight gain and abdominal fat. Therefore, ensuring a sufficient intake of protein as part of a balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of belly fat buildup. Find such high-protein diets on the Rati Beauty app to lose inches and drop oodles of weight. Also read: “10 Kitchen Ingredients That Helps Burn Belly Fat.”
5. Losing Sleep Can Make Dieters Gain Tummy Fat:
A lot of dieters notice that even though they adhere to their diet and exercise regularly, and manage to lose signicant amont of extra pounds, they struggle to lose belly fat. In this case, sleep deprivation is the main culprit! Insufficient sleep disrupts the smooth functioning of a lot of hormones, increasing ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreasing leptin (the fullness hormone), leading to overeating and weight gain, particularly in the abdomen. Lack of sleep also elevates cortisol which contributes to belly fat accumulation. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to increased consumption of high-calorie foods! Therefore, maintaining a strict sleep schedule with at least 7 hours of sleep is necessary to fight belly fat. Also read: “Pants Feeling Tight? 7 Top Weight Loss Tips To Lose Belly Fat.”
In conclusion, several factors contribute to the challenge women face when trying to lose belly fat. Biological differences, such as hormonal fluctuations of insulin and estrogen, etc., can make it harder for women to shed excess fat in the abdominal area compared to men. Additionally, societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards may lead to stress and negative body image, further complicating weight loss efforts. To effectively address belly fat, women must make dietary changes, regular exercise, practice stress management techniques, and get adequate rest.
Pants Feeling Tight? 7 Top Weight Loss Tips To Lose Belly Fat
10 Kitchen Ingredients That Helps Burn Belly Fat
