If we could choose one area of our body that we would like to lose some fat from, there is little doubt that the stomach would be a popular choice with a lot of people. A big belly hanging over your jeans is not the greatest of looks and can leave you depressed and frustrated, as it can be quite difficult to shift. Before we can focus on losing some belly fat, it would be helpful to know what the causes of belly fat are.
The Causes Of Belly Fat
Belly fat is accumulated for a variety of reasons, and not just the obvious one. Lets take a look at some of the reasons why we end up with belly fat: -
Natural Aging
As you get older, your body naturally gains body fat and loses muscle tissue without any change to your diet or activity levels. This is due in part to the fact that your metabolism slows down, resulting in your body burning less calories. Unfortunately a lot of this fat gets stored around the stomach.
The Menopause
Woman tend to naturally put on more body fat than men as they age. The menopause changes a woman's body fat distribution, resulting in more being stored around the abdomen. Women can also retain belly fat following pregnancy.
Over-Eating
This may surprise you (not), but eating too much food (particularly with a high-fat content) will pile fat on to your belly. If you consume more calories in a day than you burn off, the excess is stored as fat. The majority of us tend to eat far more food than our bodies actually need. Even if you are not willing to change your diet, you should at least think about cutting your portion sizes. Start eating in a slower and more deliberate manner, and stopping the moment you start to feel full.
The Demon Drink
There is a reason why it is called a beer belly, alcoholic (and lager in particular) drinks are full of calories. If you are serious about losing the beer gut, then you need to cut back on the booze and take more regular exercise. You could drink bottles instead of pints, switch to light beer or even give up drinking at home.
What Are Dangerous Levels Of Belly Fat?
Too much fat around the belly can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Measuring your waist is an excellent way of checking if you have an unhealthy level of belly fat. If you are a man with a waist of over 40 inches or a woman with a waist that measures more than 35 inches, then you really need to think about making changes.
How To Lose Fat Off Your Belly?
Just doing endless crunches will not get rid of belly fat, it will just strengthen the muscles underneath the fat. Regular intense cardiovascular exercise (activity that raises your heart rate) 3-4 times a week is a great idea. as well as a well balanced diet packed with whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. Make small changes and aim for no more than 1-2 pounds of weight loss a week if you want the results to be permanent.
Now you know what the causes of belly fat are, make those healthy lifestyle changes and banish that belly fat.
The Causes Of Belly Fat
Belly fat is accumulated for a variety of reasons, and not just the obvious one. Lets take a look at some of the reasons why we end up with belly fat: -
Natural Aging
As you get older, your body naturally gains body fat and loses muscle tissue without any change to your diet or activity levels. This is due in part to the fact that your metabolism slows down, resulting in your body burning less calories. Unfortunately a lot of this fat gets stored around the stomach.
The Menopause
Woman tend to naturally put on more body fat than men as they age. The menopause changes a woman's body fat distribution, resulting in more being stored around the abdomen. Women can also retain belly fat following pregnancy.
Over-Eating
This may surprise you (not), but eating too much food (particularly with a high-fat content) will pile fat on to your belly. If you consume more calories in a day than you burn off, the excess is stored as fat. The majority of us tend to eat far more food than our bodies actually need. Even if you are not willing to change your diet, you should at least think about cutting your portion sizes. Start eating in a slower and more deliberate manner, and stopping the moment you start to feel full.
The Demon Drink
There is a reason why it is called a beer belly, alcoholic (and lager in particular) drinks are full of calories. If you are serious about losing the beer gut, then you need to cut back on the booze and take more regular exercise. You could drink bottles instead of pints, switch to light beer or even give up drinking at home.
What Are Dangerous Levels Of Belly Fat?
Too much fat around the belly can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Measuring your waist is an excellent way of checking if you have an unhealthy level of belly fat. If you are a man with a waist of over 40 inches or a woman with a waist that measures more than 35 inches, then you really need to think about making changes.
How To Lose Fat Off Your Belly?
Just doing endless crunches will not get rid of belly fat, it will just strengthen the muscles underneath the fat. Regular intense cardiovascular exercise (activity that raises your heart rate) 3-4 times a week is a great idea. as well as a well balanced diet packed with whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. Make small changes and aim for no more than 1-2 pounds of weight loss a week if you want the results to be permanent.
Now you know what the causes of belly fat are, make those healthy lifestyle changes and banish that belly fat.
Reference: Chris_Waddington |
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