A number of reasons why belly fat is stubborn

Most of us suffer from it: a tummy or a starting tummy. Your editor is also struggling with the problem. Some call it a beer belly. Well, beer doesn't give you a belly, but the calories in beer do help to create a swimming ring. 

Is it a big tummy? Of course it is not beautiful, apart from that it is also unhealthy. Excess belly fat can lead to heart problems, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and some cancers. If you have too much belly fat, it is important to do something about it. Losing fat in that zone is difficult. We list the main reasons.

Age
As you get older, your body changes. This also changes the metabolism of men and women. As you age, you need fewer calories for the body to function normally. Due to all the changes in hormones, it is more difficult - but not impossible - to lose weight.

processed foods
If you want to get rid of your belly fat, you will have to avoid processed foods. So don't take biscuits, sweets, chips, fries and desserts, for example. But take fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grain products. Less beer or wine is of course never wrong. Substitute soda for water or tea.

Stress
Do you suffer from stress and do you eat more because of it? It is logical that you do not lose weight and may even gain weight. That is not the only explanation, by the way. Stress causes your body to produce more of the hormone cortisol. This hormone increases the amount of fat in the body and enlarges fat cells.

Not enough sleep
Several studies have shown that a lack of sleep or an irregular sleeping pattern increases the risk of obesity. Poor sleep also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Tackle that belly!

Belly fat or visceral fat is dangerous fat. The fat your body stores around your organs raises your bad cholesterol, exacerbates inflammation and makes you less sensitive to insulin. Fortunately, belly fat is also the fat that disappears first when you lose weight.

Especially in the elderly, increasing energy consumption is a better way to lose weight than eating less. A safe way to burn more is, for example, cycling. You can also do this on an exercise bike so that you do not suffer from the stray dogs in Thailand.

Build it up slowly at first, but make sure you put in some effort. Eventually at an intensity where you can no longer have a conversation, but you can sustain the effort for a longer period of time. You can then burn 30 to 45 calories in 300/400 minutes. Train 4 to 5 days a week and after 12 weeks your tummy will be gone!

Sources: Health Net and Ergogonics