A bigger waist can lead to a greater number of health problems. Abdominal fat has two types. Subcutaneous fat lies underneath the skin and over the abdominal wall. You can see it and grasp it with your hand. Visceral fat is located deep inside the abdomen between the internal organs. Visceral fat is more harmful to health and is linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. You can gain belly fat because of several factors such as age, lifestyle, level of activity, stress levels and genetics.
Genetics
Genetic factors play a part in your metabolic rate and predisposition to obesity. If your parents or other biological relatives have a tendency to carry excessive belly fat, you are at a greater risk of gaining belly fat. Genetic factors also play a role in the effectiveness of diet and exercise in weight management. However, people who are genetically predisposed to belly fat can achieve significant improvements in fitness by making changes in their diet and exercising on a regular basis.
Stress and Lack of Exercise
People who have sedentary jobs and work-related stress are more at risk of becoming obese and developing unhealthy levels of belly fat. The fear of layoffs, lack of control and increased stress in poor economic situations can all contribute to increased weight gain. In addition, spending an entire day sitting at a desk and returning home to relax are habits that are conducive to weight gain. Workers' busy schedules may prevent them from taking breaks for exercise or to eat a healthy meal. The ready availability of fatty foods and snacks in vending machines is also to blame for an increase in the prevalence of obesity.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and low in nutrients. Beer, wine, whiskey and cocktails are all significant contributors to calorie intake. A few drinks a day can add up and cause an increase in belly fat.
Age
The term "middle age spread" is well-known. This change is probably more noticeable in women because of the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels and increase in androgen levels have been linked to an increase in abdominal fat. In addition to hormonal changes, the natural reduction in muscle mass contributes to weight gain and additional belly fat. Life changes such as children leaving home, death of a spouse or significant other, divorce or simply a sense of contentment can cause weight gain during middle age.
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