Losing weight can be a challenge, and sometimes it seems that the body refuses to relinquish its rights to fat in a particular area, be it your thighs, buttocks or stomach. Persistent abdominal fat may be the result of genetics, metabolism, age or a more serious condition. If you are concerned about your inability to lose weight in your stomach area, consult your health care provider.
Abdominal Fat
Scientists used to think of adipose, or fat, cells as simple storage units for lipids, but more recent research shows this is not the case. Adipose cells produce hormones, including adiponectin, which interferes with the body's response to insulin. Visceral fat, or fat surrounding the organs, produces cytokines, which are chemicals that interact with the immune system and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation. Research shows that fat deposits in the abdominal region are particularly dangerous and increase your risk of developing several serious diseases.
Metabolism
If you are already eating a nutritious diet and committed to working up a sweat six days a week, it may be frustrating to drop pounds and still see no change to your gut. This is a particularly common problem for middle-aged women who are approaching or have reached menopause. As the female body ages, hormones fluctuate including a significant drop in estrogen. Although the reasons are not yet entirely clear, this causes a change in the distribution of body fat. Men may experience something similar when their metabolism decreases with age, although male fat distribution is not usually affected.
Other Causes
Sometimes, your girth may have nothing to do with your commitment to weight loss and fitness. For instance, women who have carried children to term are frequently left with loose skin after delivery that won't disappear despite strenuous weight-loss efforts. You may also have loose skin around your waist from losing a considerable amount of weight.
Occasionally, what appears to be abdominal fat may be something more serious. For instance, abdominal masses make your belly bulge. Contact you physician if you have noticed changes in your appetite or bowel movements, if your belly feels hard or tender, if you have a pulsating lump in your abdomen or if you have any other cause for concern.
What to Do
If your persistent belly fat is the consequence of aging, metabolism and heredity, the only thing to do is stick to your diet and exercise plan. Although it may take a while, your waistline will eventually respond to regular exercise and a decrease in caloric intake. Consider meeting with a nutritionist and fitness trainer to discuss ways you can expedite your weight loss and find your hidden six-pack.
Member Comments