In the days of yore, a human's survival relied heavily on flight or fight. For this reason, the body stored a special pad of fat around the midriff that the metabolism could call upon for instant energy in times of stress. As soon as the stress subsided, a hormone called cortisol would urge the body to stock up on more fuel, in the form of food.
Today's human stresses may not require instant energy for flight or fight. But cortisol remains a part of our chemistry and the same process kicks in during any kind of stress.
Depression Is the New Stress
Stress has moved from the physical front to depression, according to the National Women's Health Center. It cites a 20-year study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham of more than 5,100 men and women ages 18 to 30. The study found that over a 15-year period, all the subjects put on some pounds, but those that were depressed gained weight faster. "Those who started out reporting high levels of depression gained weight at a faster rate than others in the study, but starting out overweight did not lead to changes in depression," reports study co-author Belinda Needham, assistant professor of sociology. Needham says treating depression could be the key to controlling obesity.
Possibly Worse for Women
As they age, men and women both experience slowing metabolism, weight gain and additional layers of fat more in the belly than on the hips, legs and arms. But menopause may compound the problem for women, according to MayoClinic.com. That's because the changes of hormones in menopause alter how the body handles and stores fat.
According to MayoClinic.com, women's waists grow as they age, even if they don't gain in overall weight. Fat can actually decrease on other areas of the body and seem to shift to the abdomen. Additionally women of optimum weight can have unhealthy belly fat.
Below the Surface
Being able to pinch more than an inch isn't simply an appearance concern. The MayoClinic.com says the visceral fat further beneath the skin --- surrounding the organs in your core --- is to be feared. It could lead to health problems that include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain forms of cancer, metabolic syndrome and/or sleep apnea.
Age isn't the only culprit and may not be the more vicious one. You may be fighting heredity.
Beat the Belly Fat
Belly fat, like any overweight issue, can be reduced with increased exercise and reduced intake of calories and fats. Talk to your health care provider about a weight loss plan. And inquire specifically about abdominal exercises --- not necessarily sit ups --- that will reduce the fat and build the muscles around your core.
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