What Causes My Belly Under My Navel To Be Fat?

Fat on your belly under your navel occurs for a variety of reasons and is often the result of your lifestyle, favorite beverages or family history. Belly fat represents more than just a threat to your slim figure, as your risk elevates for serious health conditions when you carry extra weight around the waist. Recognize the common causes of abdominal fat to ensure your well-being and alert your doctor prior to considering any diet or herbal supplement that promises fast weight loss.

Decreased Muscle Mass & Menopause

Both men and women suffer an increase in belly fat --- also called visceral fat --- as part of the natural aging process. Your body's ability to retain muscle mass diminishes as you grow older, which weakens your ability to burn calories. Doctors believe women face a higher risk for gain during menopause due to higher levels of a stress hormone that promotes the development of tummy fat. Family history also plays a role, as your body contains genes that determine how much fat you will develop and where the fat will reside.

Lack of Activity

Belly fat under the navel often results from a sedentary lifestyle. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that people who exercise typically gain less visceral fat than others who remain inactive. Regular aerobic exercise like swimming or brisk walking for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week helps reduce your overall body weight, although strength training with weights like barbells and dumbbells may be the most effective method to trim fat that resides around your waist. Check with your doctor prior to the start of any exercise plan.

Unhealthy Eating

The amount of fat under your navel typically corresponds with the amount of high-fat foods you consume. Avoid white bread and products that contain saturated fat or trans fats, as well as fried snacks and sugary desserts. Your chances of a slim waistline increase when you eat smaller portions of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dry beans and fish like salmon and cold-water trout. Lean meats consumed in moderation also provide protein.

Alcohol & Soda

Beer gets a lot of media attention as the main belly buster, but any alcoholic beverage has the potential to sabotage your slim figure. Wine may be less harmful, so consume two glasses or less daily if alcohol can't be eliminated from your diet. Sugary sodas and teas, as well as flavored milk, also swell your abdominal area, so aim to drink water and only low- or fat-free daily products when possible.

Future Forecast

Belly fat under your navel escalates your risk for heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer and high blood pressure, as well as other conditions. Schedule a visit with your doctor if your weight is unmanageable and ask for advice about a healthy meal plan and activity schedule that is safe for your health condition.