12 Habits That Cause Belly Fat

Health has become a rising concern in all parts of the world. Unhealthy lifestyle and improper eating habits have led to growing belly fat. Something as bad as belly fat can be noticed in young children as well. If belly fat is not taken care of, it can become one of the main reasons for a number of life threatening diseases.

The cause of belly fat is not one but many. It is necessary to recognise these threats and take appropriate action. Before we move into the belly fat reasons, let us take a look at the threats it carries. This might motivate or serve as an alarm bell to nip the problem in the bud. The diseases that belly fat brings along with it are related to the heart, blood pressure, kidney, hypertension, strokes and even cancer.

Remember, even a small amount of it can be dangerous. Besides, once you develop a small protruding paunch, it is bound to grow. So the causes of a pot belly are serious. And fat stored in this area is the most difficult to get rid of. So how do you get rid of belly fat? Gaining knowledge of the causes of belly fat can be helpful to a great extent.

Inactivity

The importance of exercise has been established since ages. To maintain a perfect body, both internally and externally, exercise is a must. Once you start exercising, you can lose belly fat and will not have to hide that tummy behind loose clothing.

Late night meals

Dinner needs time to digest. Going to bed on a full stomach will prevent proper digestion and distribution of the meal. Eventually, it gets stored as belly fat.

Binging

Are you one of those who binges, especially when emotionally upset? This is not going to help you emotionally, but it will only lead to fat accumulation around you tummy. Instead of binging, try exercising. This will be far more useful. It will also help release tension.

Stress

In this modern lifestyle, reasons for stress are many and we all fall prey to it. This stress is also one of the belly fat reasons. During periods of stress, the body releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. In simplest terms, cortisol increases belly fat by moving stored fat to the abdomen area.

Low protein diet

Protein is essential for the body to balance blood sugar levels. It will help reduce insulin levels and promote a higher metabolic rate. A high metabolic rate means faster fat burn. Also, protein aids in controlling hormones that increase appetite. Hence, it will help you slim down.

Irregular meals

When the body is not sure as to when the next meal is coming, it starts storing up fat. In order to avoid this condition, it is important to have meals at regular intervals and give the body a continued supply of energy.

Sleep deficiency

For an adult body, it is necessary to get a good seven hours of shut eyes. Staying awake for extra hours or fighting sleep can lead to increase in cortisol and cravings for sugary food. This will further become a cause of belly fat.

Alcohol

Controlled drinking once in a while is not bad. But when overdone, alcohol will result in increased calories in the body. This will lead to belly fat.

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks are high in calories due to the high amount of sugars present in them. These sugars trigger food cravings and you end up eating more than required and hence increased belly fat. The diet drinks do not fare any better.

Unhealthy eating habits

The invasion of processed and packaged foods have brought with them increased amounts of calories. If you check the ingredients on the package, you will find sugar in some form or the other.

Menopause

Due to hormonal changes in the body, women tend to gain extra fat around the abdomen during the menopause stage.

Genetic

If either of your parents has a large midsection, you are more likely to develop one. In such a case, you need to be extra careful about your diet and lifestyle.