Here’s Why Women Get Belly Fat And What Should You Do About It

Medically reviewed by Shanmukha Priya, M.Phil and Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition

Belly fat in women is the most stubborn kind of fat that takes the lot of hard work to lose.

Hormonal imbalance, wrong lifestyle choices and bad diet lead to this excess weight issue. Keep belly fat at bay with these expert weight loss tips.

Table of Contents

• Why women put on belly fat
• How belly fat affects your health
• Start dropping your belly fat
• Try these expert tips to shed belly fat
• Be practical about belly fat loss

Belly fat is a bane for women who are trying to get fit and have a toned body.

If you are one of those who tend to put on weight around your midriff at the first sign of weight gain, then you also are aware that it is difficult to lose belly fat.

For women, who have the slower metabolism than men, losing belly fat is a major challenge. Here’s what you need to know about this.

Here’s why women put on belly fat

Women are more prone to putting weight around their hips and lower belly. When your metabolism slows down, your body gets slow in processing the sugar into fat and fat into energy, thus it gets deposited between the viscera – internal organ in your belly – which shows around your waistline.

For most, it is decided by hormones and bad lifestyle choices like mindless eating, unhealthy food choices, alcohol, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.

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 In women, it is also due to excess weight gain during pregnancy and then in the ability to shed that weight post childbirth.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is also a major reason in women who have not gone through pregnancy.

How belly fat affects you health

Visceral fat, which is the kind of fat that gets deposited in your midriff,  is dangerous because it secretes toxins which impacts your body’s normal functioning.

It releases a chemical cytokine that increases your chances of heart disease. It also makes your body less sensitive insulin, which can lead to diabetes

So even if you appear fit and have a healthy weight, if your midsection of belly looks bigger in proportion to your whole body, you most likely have visceral fat.

Higher the waist size, the more your tummy poses a health risk for you. For women, if the waist size is higher than 35 inches, then you most likely have belly fat and should be wary of health issues.

Start dropping your belly fat

First, you have to ensure that you don’t put on excess weight around your waist.

If you already have excess fat around your belly, then it is high time you started working on it, because it can lead to high sugar levels, which in turn puts you in the danger of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Try these expert tips to shed belly fat

You don’t have to be a tough fitness fanatic to try and lose belly fat. You can start slow and make some lifestyle changes (which are pure common sense) to start your belly fat loss journey.

1. Get on to a detox diet

Start by cleansing your body from the inside. Skip to healthy, lighter meals and cut down on snacks and munchies filled with transfat and excess sodium.

You can try healthy soup cleanse to start your journey towards healthy eating and weight loss.

2. Skip colas and juices

While fruit juice might seem like a healthy option but it is not. Colas have empty calories, and juices have excess sugar which directly goes your belly.

Instead, make your fruit smoothies minus added sugar which is a healthy meal replacement option and retain all the fibers from the fruit.

3.  Avoid processed food

Say no to packaged food – even if they are being sold as the healthy option. Check the labels carefully about added salt and sugar.

Avoid foods that have corn syrup/starch listed in the ingredient label.

4.  Eat fruits, veggies, and proteins

It is a good idea to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. It gives you the fiber needed for cleansing your body inside out.

Pick green and red colored vegetables over carb-filled ones. Eat a portion of protein through low-fat dairy, lean meats, fish and eggs. They help move your metabolism.

5. Get up and work out

Make sure you work-out daily for at least half an hour to keep your metabolism high. It helps burn excess fat. Try strength training to boost muscle growth which helps melt more fat.

6. Sleep and say bye to stress

If you lead a stressful life then ensure you take some time out of your busy schedule to calm yourself and centre your energies.

Yoga, deep breathing and meditation goes a long way. Also, make sure you sleep 7 to 8 hours daily. Hit the bed by 11pm to get the maximum benefit of your sleep cycle.

Be practical about belly fat loss

Don’t expect overnight miracles, as it is the toughest type of fat to lose. Aim for something slow and steady, and work on improving your metabolic rate.

QUICK BYTES

1] Why do women get belly fat?

Women are more prone to putting weight around their hips and lower belly. When your metabolism slows down, your body gets slow in processing the sugar into fat and fat into energy, thus it gets deposited between the viscera – internal organ in your belly – which shows around your waistline.

2] Why is belly fat in women harmful?

Visceral fat, which is the kind of fat that gets deposited in your midriff,  is dangerous because it secretes toxins which impacts your body’s normal functioning.

It releases a chemical cytokine that increases your chances of heart disease. It also makes your body less sensitive insulin, which can lead to diabetes.

3] What can I do to lose this fat around my belly?

You have to make serious lifestyle changes. Aim for something slow and steady, and work on improving your metabolic rate. Try portion control, and eat fibrous foods to ensure healthy stomach.

It also keeps you fuller longer. Choose healthy fruit smoothies over sugary drinks, add at least half hour of focused workouts and you will start  seeing great results within two weeks.

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