The human body stores fat as a defense mechanism against starvation. The constant availability of sugars and high-calorie junk foods works against the body's natural metabolic system. Moreover, metabolism generally slows down as you age. Levels of fat burning hormones decline and weight gain is inevitable without intervention. These fats generally store in genetically pre-determined trouble areas such as the lower abdomen and thighs. However, you can prevent this by building your lifestyle around regular exercise and proper eating habits.
Hormonal Imbalance
As you age your body produces less of important fat burning hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, DHEA and growth hormone, according to "Combat the Fat" author Jeff Anderson. These hormones act to elevate metabolism, maintain lean muscle and prevent body fat accrual. Age-related hormonal decline can be one cause of rapid weight gain, particularly in trouble areas like the abdomen. If you are not above the age of 30, you should have your hormone levels tested to see if you are uncharacteristically low. Hormonal imbalance may require treatment from a qualified professional.
Chronically High Cortisol
Chronically high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can cause abdominal weight gain, according to "The Cortisol Connection" by Shawn Talbott. Improper diet, chronic stress and intense exercise can trigger the body to produce too much cortisol. Though cortisol is an essential hormone, it acts to break down muscle, which slows metabolic rate. It also triggers the body to store fat, and the abdomen happens to have a lot of cortisol receptors. Eating frequent small meals that are high in protein can help to inhibit cortisol, according to "The Abs Diet" by David Zinczenko.
High-Glycemic Carbohydrates
Eating too many high-glycemic carbohydrates causes wild fluctuations of the hormone insulin, which acts as a storage messenger, driving sugars and fats into the body's fat cells. This creates a vicious cycle because sugars quickly empty from the bloodstream, signaling the brain that the body needs more carbohydrates. Soon after a high-sugar meal, you find yourself hungry and craving more carbs and sugars. The blood spike and crash of insulin and blood sugar promotes body fat storage and low energy levels, according to "The Fat Burning Bible" by Mackie Shilstone.
Saturated Fat
Not all fats cause the body to store fat around the abdomen. In fact, mono and polyunsaturated fats actually fight heart disease while promoting a lean midsection, say Shilstone. Examples include olive oil, nuts and seeds, fish oil and avocados. Saturated fats, on the other hand, do enable body fat storage in the lower abdomen. These fats include dairy and animal fats. Combining high sugar and high saturated fat creates a cascade of events that promotes storing abdominal fat.
Lack of Exercise
Exercise burns fat and calories, while building lean muscle, according to "Xtreme Lean" by Jonathan Lawson and Steve Holman. In addition, it improves insulin sensitivity, which helps your body to store less fat and prevent diseases such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, says Zinczenko. A sedentary lifestyle paired with improper diet allows your body to store fat at will. Exercising for only 30 to 60 minutes three days per week can help you battle the culprits of lower abdominal weight gain.
References
- "Combat the Fat"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "The Cortisol Connection"; Shawn Talbott; 2002
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; 2004
- "The Fat Burning Bible"; Mackie Shilstone; 2005
- "Xtreme Lean"; Jonathan Lawson and Steve Holman; 2005
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