As we grow old, our bellies tend to get fatter and fatter and rounder and rounder. Now you begin to wonder why that is, because you seem to be doing the same amount of workout as when you are young, or maybe you even consume alcohol more while you were in college. So why the beer belly when you are 40 something? Here are some popular causes of round and fat belly
1. Menopause
Ok while this does not hold for men, this kind of holds true for women. After menopause, fat begins to store itself in different places and often times focuses around the tummy.
2. Genetics
While this is not entirely true (Jessica Alba’s parents are both huge and fat), scientists suggest that there is a link between big belly and genetics.
There are two common body types: apple and pear. If you gain and store fat in lower parts of your body then you would be considered pear-shaped.
If you’re the kind of person that stores more fat in your stomach and middle section than anywhere else then you would be considered apple-shaped.
3. Stress
When you are under stress, your body releases the hormone called cortisol. This hormone causes your liver to make excess sugar that your body doesn’t really need. As a result, you begin to feel hungrier and begin to eat more. Most of those calories that you consume go straight to your stomach!
4. Improper Digestion
Improper digestion due to stress may cause several kinds of gastrointestinal problems leaving you gassy and bloated. Many people who complain about persistent belly fat often times have gas which causes the bloating effect.
5. Slow Metabolism
As we get older, our metabolism tends to slow down. That means you don’t burn calories as fast or as easily as you did when you were younger. A slower metabolism can also result in extra storage of fat and yes…particularly around the middle.
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