Stress and Belly Fat Are Related

Studies show that stress and belly fat are related. Stress is often the root cause of abdominal fat. However, there are ways to deal with your stress and avoid it. One way is to get adequate sleep. A majority of the American population reports having chronic stress, and getting adequate sleep is vital to dealing with it.

Research shows that stress can increase your cortisol levels, which can lead to belly fat. This stress hormone increases your appetite, reduces your sleep, and slows down your metabolic rate. However, stress can be prevented by making sensible lifestyle changes that reduce the level of cortisol and promote a healthier lifestyle. Even making minor changes like walking instead of using the elevator can help reduce stress levels.

Researchers have found that non-overweight women who experience frequent stress have higher levels of cortisol in their bodies. While previous studies have found that abdominal fat is associated with higher cortisol levels in obese women, this new study reveals that cortisol levels are also increased in lean women. Stress-induced abdominal fat can affect your health negatively, resulting in increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Long-term stress can cause unwanted weight gain. It can also lead to chronic inflammation in your body. Chronic stress can also affect your energy levels, causing your body to store fat rather than burning it. In addition to increasing your waist size, prolonged stress affects your metabolism and prevents you from making rational food choices. Stress also makes you lazier and less likely to engage in physical activity. You'll likely develop a stress belly if you experience a lot of stress in your life.

In addition to stress, belly fat is also related to hormone levels. Cortisol, produced by your adrenal glands, can cause a stress belly. Cortisol is a hormone that causes the breakdown of muscle tissue, making you more likely to gain belly fat. This is because cortisol affects your cravings and appetite.