Poorly-fitting clothing isn't the only side effect of an expanding waistline. Excessive belly fat increases your risks for many serious diseases. MayoClinic.com indicates that high blood pressure, certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes fall on the risk list. Visceral fat, which is deeper in the abdomen, around the organs, is particularly dangerous.
Heredity
Your genes control more than just the color of your hair or your adult height. Heredity plays a role in where fat tends to collect in the body. Certain genes determine how many fat cells you have and where they are stored, according to Harvard Health Publications. If you tend to gain weight in your tummy, it may be partially due to heredity.
Hormones
The hormones of menopause make increased fat in the tummy area more likely, according to Harvard Health Publications. The androgen to estrogen ratio increases as the production of estrogen decreases, making you more likely to gain fat in your abdomen. The hormonal changes can also change the way fat is broken down and stored, according to MayoClinic.com.
Aging & Slowing Metabolism
Your metabolism slows as you age, increasing the amount of fat in your body, according to MayoClinic.com. Women typically gain more fat than men in the later years. Both men and women lose muscle with age, particularly those who are inactive. This muscle loss can also contribute to a collection of fat in the tummy area. While you can't freeze time, staying physically active and watching your caloric intake will help keep your overall body fat down, including the tummy.
Alcohol
Many people joke about having a beer belly, but the jokes have some validity. According to MayoClinic.com, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the fat in your belly. Many alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of calories, which contribute to overall weight gain. Limit alcohol consumption to avoid an increased amount of abdominal fat. The verdict on wine is still up in the air; it may be the one exception to the alcohol-tummy-fat connection.
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