Belly fat or abdominal fat that collects around your waist poses a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While it is common knowledge that a poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to high levels of belly fat, what is less well-known is the significant effect that stress plays as a contributing factor.
The Danger of Belly Fat
Writing in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," medical researchers provided convincing evidence of the link between high levels of abdominal fat and cardiovascular disease. While the link between belly fat and heart disease is well known, research published in the journal, "Annals of Neurology," demonstrates a link between belly fat and dementia.
Stress and Hormones
The occasional stress that we encounter is a normal part of modern life and one that we have adapted to quite well. When faced with a stressful situation, the body responds through the nervous system, which acts quickly and for short periods of time, and through the production of hormones that are released more slowly and act for longer periods of time. One of the more common stress hormones is cortisol, released by the adrenal gland to help shift your metabolic energy production during stressful times.
Stress and Fat Metabolism
The energy required to support your daily life functions can come from one of two primary fuel sources, carbohydrates or fats. Throughout the day your body continually shifts the balance between carbohydrate use and storage and between fat use and storage. Cortisol, the hormone released during periods of stress, stimulates the use of carbohydrate fuel and triggers the storage of fat, largely around the internal organs of the abdomen. The more stress you encounter, the more cortisol you produce and the more belly fat you accumulate.
Controlling Stress
While it is difficult to avoid stress in modern life, there are several ways that you can help moderate the effects that stress has on your body. Learning better time management techniques and saying no to situations you wish not to participate in can help you avoid many stressful situations. Finding a hobby, reading a good book, and getting enough sleep are also time-tested ways of dealing with stress. Finally, keep a positive attitude and realize that stressful situations will eventually pass.
Diet and Exercise
In addition to trying to control your levels of stress using the techniques above, it is also important to pay attention to both your diet and exercise habits. A program of regular physical exercise is a great way to help reduce stress and to avoid its harmful effects on your body. In addition to stress relief, vigorous aerobic exercise will burn energy and help control belly fat. Ensuring that your diet is balanced and that you restrict the amount of sugars and refined carbohydrates, will also help you cope with stress and reduce the risk of accumulating belly fat.
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