If your stomach seems to get bigger as you get older, you're not alone. Both men and women may experience fat accumulation and a reduction in muscle tone as they get older. The good news is that it's not too late to get a trim, toned stomach. Talk to your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise plans, particularly if you have health problems or injuries.
Heredity
If you are a woman and your mother experienced an increase in belly fat as she got older, chances are that you will have the same fate. As some women reach menopause, the reduction of estrogen in the body may cause fat to shift to the belly. Men are less likely to be affected by hereditary belly fat, although their parents may have passed down overweight or obese genes that contribute to an overall increase in body fat.
Age
As you age, you may become less active. Even if you're exercising on a regular basis, the types of exercises you do and the intensity may change. If you are burning fewer calories, you may accumulate more fat cells. When you get older, the muscle tissue in the body may turn into fat tissue, which can transform a flat, firm stomach into a pudgy pooch.
Alcohol
A big stomach is known as a beer belly for a reason. Drinking beer or any other type of alcohol may pack more fat onto your belly. Wine is the only possible exception to the rule, although not enough research has been conducted to prove whether or not this is always the case.
Alcohol contains calories, so the more alcohol you drink, the more belly fat may accumulate. Limit your drinking to one drink or less per day in order to reduce your calorie intake and keep fat from forming on your stomach.
Keeping it Off
Reducing your calorie intake and burning more calories on a daily basis will reduce belly fat. Eating a healthy diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lean protein will help you stay full while minimizing fat on the stomach. Aerobic exercises like running and biking will burn the most calories. Doing sit-ups and other stomach exercises won't burn fat, but they will help strengthen the abdominal muscles, making your stomach look tight and toned.
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