Losing belly fat is a challenge faced by many adults, particularly those striving for weight loss and a slim physique. Although some may seek to shed abdominal fat purely for cosmetic reasons, leaving it intact can pose serious health risks. To achieve this feat, it’s essential to comprehend what causes belly fat.

What causes belly fat?

Belly fat is a layer of fat stored around the abdominal region just above the hip bone, comprising subcutaneous and visceral fat. When you consume food, the body extracts energy from it and stores the excess as fat and glycogen in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. For most individuals, the excess weight is predominantly seen in the belly region and is influenced by factors such as:

• Unhealthy diet: An unhealthy diet containing high amounts of unhealthy fat, trans fat, sugar, and carbs can lead to weight gain, as these foods contain many calories exceeding daily requirements.
   
• Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can inhibit the body’s ability to burn excess energy, leading to weight gain.
   
• Genetics: Genetics can influence how the body stores and uses energy from food. Some people may be genetically predisposed to store fat in their abdominal area, which can make it difficult to lose belly fat.
   
• Alcohol: Alcohol contains calories, sugars, and hormones that affect hunger and fullness, which can lead to weight gain and belly fat.

Health Risks of Belly Fat

Belly fat poses a significant risk to health, as it can increase the likelihood of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, various tried and tested methods can help individuals lose belly fat and maintain good health.

How to lose belly fat

• Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber can help you lose belly fat and keep the pounds off in the long run. Of course, even when eating healthy, ensure you maintain a balance between the calories you eat and the calories you burn.
   
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol contains empty calories without any nutritional value. These calories are mainly seen as sugar and can put you at a higher risk of diabetes and abdominal fat.
   
• Exercise regularly: Exercising regularly helps you build muscle, strengthen your body and expend more calories. If you’re trying to lose belly fat, incorporating cardio and strength training exercises can help you see results quicker and even prevent you from regaining the fat you lost.
   
• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is a key component of any weight loss program. When you sleep, your body repairs muscles, restores energy, and gets rid of toxic wastes. All these processes require energy which your body burns in the form of calories. Plus, getting enough sleep prevents you from developing unhealthy eating habits, which can cause weight gain.

While there are so many other ways to lose belly fat, starting with the tips we listed above can help you get started on your journey to fitness and wellness. Still, if you need help getting rid of that extra layer of abdominal fat, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at the Weight Loss Centers of San Diego.