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Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but sometimes, a flat stomach can slowly give way to stubborn belly fat. This condition is often linked to central obesity—the excessive buildup of both subcutaneous (under the skin) and visceral (around the organs) fat in the abdomen.
So, what causes it? Before you place all the blame on fat itself, let’s explore some of the common, and sometimes surprising, reasons why belly fat develops.
1. A Poor Diet
Excessive calorie intake, especially from foods high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates, is a primary trigger for belly fat. Sugary drinks, fast food, and unhealthy snacks are easily converted and stored as fat in the abdominal area.
2. Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle means your body burns fewer calories, causing excess energy to be stored as fat. Weak abdominal muscles can also make the stomach appear more prominent, contributing to the look of a potbelly.
3. Stress and Poor Sleep
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase fat storage in the abdomen. Lack of sleep disrupts the hormones that regulate your appetite, often making you feel hungrier and leading to overeating—which can certainly result in belly fat.
4. Hormonal Changes
In women, menopause can cause a shift in fat distribution from the hips and thighs to the abdominal area. In men, a decline in testosterone can also contribute to fat accumulation around the midsection, which is why belly fat often appears at a certain age.
5. Genetics
Your genetic makeup plays a role in determining where your body tends to store fat. However, this doesn’t mean you’re powerless to prevent or reduce belly fat.
So, do any of these five causes sound familiar? Whether it’s a habit you can change or a factor you can’t avoid, the good news is you don’t have to face it alone. Belly fat can be managed and reduced with the right dietary approach.
At LIGHThouse Clinic, our expert doctors are here to help you find a personalized diet plan tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward losing belly fat and achieving better health by consulting with us today.
Reference: https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/higeia/article/download/21112/10864/
