A wobbly stomach is something many people dread. They eat well, exercise, and drink up to three liters of water daily to maintain a narrow waist. But what happens when you are keeping up with every part of being healthy, but you still gain weight? Before you beat yourself up for not doing enough sit-ups, other factors can lead to belly fat. Research says that as people get older, a small interference in the hormonal levels can lead to stubborn belly fat. So, why is your belly fat not disappearing? Let’s take a closer look.
- Cortisol and Adrenal Grand Health- One of the main factors that lead to belly fat is cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. When you experience anxiety, cortisol levels increase and often results in stubborn weight gain. If your body is under stress and high levels of anxiety, it goes into survival mode. Cortisol levels go up, and the body is signaled to store more fat. High cortisol levels also cause a decrease in thyroid levels, which leads to central weight gain. A reduction in thyroid levels then decreases growth hormones whose functions are muscle growth and tissue building.
- Liver Health- A healthy liver is another important factor in general health and weight. The liver performs many tasks in the body including eliminating toxins, regulating blood sugar levels, and controlling blood pressure. The liver produces bile juice, which is responsible for the breakdown of fat into fatty acids. In other words, a healthy liver is necessary for one to maintain general health and stay fit. Poor liver function can lead to an increase in weight, especially around the stomach.
- Leptin- Most people are aware that insulin resistance causes diabetes. However, they are not aware that it also has other effects, such as increasing leptin levels. The hormone leptin is responsible for alerting the body when you are full. High insulin levels cause an increase in leptin, which can lead to leptin receptor dysfunction. As a result, these receptors cannot send messages to the brain that you are full and you need to stop eating.
- Blood Sugar- After consuming any food, the pancreas produces insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body make use of energy from food by opening the cells. It acts as a key and helps to move glucose or blood sugar inside each cell. When one adds a lot of weight, especially around the belly, it can lead to insulin resistance. One should watch out for belly fat because it can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Estrogen- When women are in the pre-and post-menopausal stages of their lives, estrogen levels rise and often fall, leading to belly fat and mood swings. Sometimes, the blame is not on the individual when they gain visceral fat but due to hormones.
You often can’t control health variables such as hormonal changes. Instead, choose to focus on those factors that are within your power such as dieting and eating healthy. Just to make sure you are in optimal health, visit Functional Health Center for a checkup. We specialize in treating conditions such as type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, cognitive decline, obesity, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune diseases. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Functional Health Center today.