Why Is Belly Fat More Difficult to Lose?: Adult and Pediatric Dermatology: (2024)

FAQs

Why Is Belly Fat More Difficult to Lose?: Adult and Pediatric Dermatology:? ›

One reason belly fat is so hard to lose is that it's considered an “active fat.” Unlike some fatty tissue that simply sits “dormant,” belly fat releases hormones that can have an impact on your health — and your ability to lose weight, especially in the waist and abdomen areas.

People lose muscle as they age. And the problem is worse for those who are not physically active. Loss of muscle mass decreases how quickly the body uses calories. That can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

Your hormones are to blame

As women age, Claire Davis explains that they find it much harder to lose belly fat than men, mainly due to a decrease in the hormone oestrogen. She says that a drop in oestrogen has been shown to impact fat distribution, making it more focused around the belly area than the hips and thighs.

Stubborn fat is more metabolically active and can lead to serious health problems. The most stubborn areas of fat are the abdomen, arms, and thighs. Strategies for reducing stubborn fat include exercise and diet. Non-surgical treatments like Coolsculpting and weight loss supplements can also be effective.

In your belly, it's called visceral fat because it builds up in the spaces between and around your viscera -- internal organs like your stomach and intestines. This visceral fat in your middle makes toxins that affect the way your body works, says Samuel Dagogo-Jack, MD, president of the American Diabetes Association.

Regular, consistent cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise like walking, running and swimming has been shown to help burn calories and some fat.

As we reach our 30's, our bodies usually need less energy, meaning we may not be able to eat the way we did in our 20's. Then, as you move past 40 and head to middle age, changes in muscle, hormones and metabolism all make it harder to stay trim. But it's not a lost cause.

Aerobic exercise is an effective weight loss method. Studies suggest it's particularly effective at reducing belly fat and overall body fat.

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

What organ removes the most fat from the body? ›

The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous substances, such as alcohol and drugs. The liver also produces bile, a fluid that helps digest fats and carry away waste.

Where do women lose weight first? Women tend to lose weight in their legs first, from both muscle and fat loss. Women have more body fat than men in general, especially in the hips and thighs. This can change during menopause, when women tend to experience fat gain, particularly in the central parts of their body.

The adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system and release cortisol into your bloodstream. It then flows throughout your body and can lead to a specific appearance and feel in your abdominal area. A stress belly will likely appear more “saggy” than the rest of the fat on your body.

A hormonal belly typically appears as accumulated fat around your waist, typically towards your lower waist. There are a few tell-tale signs that this excess weight is due to hormonal causes: You're only gaining weight around your abdomen. Women typically gain weight on their butts, hips and thighs.

Cortisol belly refers to the accumulation of belly fat caused by chronic exposure to high levels of cortisol. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, plays an important role in helping your body respond to stress, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and metabolism.

Just practicing aerobic endurance training and weight training for at least 25-30 minutes, 3 times per week, can help you target and burn fat. However, if you prefer to start at a lower intensity, focus on that workout for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week (or 150 minutes total per week).

Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados. Even a moderate cutback on carbs (grains, pasta, sugars) can help, too.

For many women, gaining fat in the stomach area occurs with age. As you get older, your metabolism slows down and doesn't burn as many calories. Menopause can also cause insulin resistance and lead to excess belly fat that is hard to lose with just diet and exercise alone.