Tuesday, August 4, 2009

What Causes Belly Fat in Women?

Many women struggle with weight loss and getting rid of extra fat in their stomach regions. Learning about some of the causes of belly fat in women can be helpful in understanding how to get rid of it for good. While some may think it is just due to eating too many cupcakes or possibly not losing the pounds after childbirth, there are also many other factors that may play a role in why some women gain weight in their midsection and others are able to have flat stomachs.

Here are a few of the most common culprits:

Stress: It's no surprise that most people undergo a lot of stress each and every day. Stress is not just an emotional trigger for overeating, but it also plays a large role in how your body burns fat and uses energy. When we are stressed out, our bodies release cortisol and insulin. Cortisol can cause you to be hungrier, as well as affect how fat is processed and stored in your body. Insulin can cause changes in your blood sugar, which may cause you to crave sugar. Reducing the amount of stress in your life can greatly have a positive impact on your ability to lose belly fat.

Genetics: Hereditary traits and genetics also plays a large role in a person's body shape and physique. Some people have a very small frame, while others have a larger frame. Genetics can also have an influence on risks for certain diseases or conditions which can also influence the body's ability to lose weight.

Slow Metabolism: Many women often find themselves so busy they do not always have the time to eat healthy foods or exercise consistently. This can cause your metabolic rate to slow down, which also affects how fat is stored and used. When the body doesn't think it is getting enough food, it will naturally and instinctively slow down metabolism to help ward off starvation. A slow metabolism can also be caused by other health disorders, such as an under active thyroid, which is a condition that can be treated but many women are not even aware they may have. Speaking to your doctor should be able to help you determine if your thyroid or other health issues may be preventing you from losing weight.

Understanding these three causes of belly fat in women can help greatly with deciding the right course of action for getting a flat stomach. Eating healthy, balanced, and consistent meals combined with regular exercise can be all that you need to lose weight and get a flat stomach. However, if after a few weeks or months you are still struggling or haven't seen results, it may be time to carefully assess how much stress you are under as well as consider speaking to your doctor to make sure there aren't any underlying causes as to why the pounds won't disappear.

Learn how you can get your stomach in shape with simple belly fat exercise from the Lose Free Diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chelle_S.

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