We know it’s there, jiggling when we walk, getting in the way our pants’ zipper, but what causes fat belly?  It appears chronic stress may be the a common culprit.

For some who are not even overweight, they can have too much belly fat. They work out, eat right, and still they can pinch more than an inch along their waistlines.  Women should keep their waist size below 35 inches, and men should keep it under 40 inches. The fat that is  most dangerous is called visceral fat and it is located deep within our bellies and surrounds our organs. Even those who are of “normal” weight can have high levels of fat and find this in their abdomens. The fat that is less dangerous but more unsightly is called subcutaneous (under the skin) fat.

When we are stressed, our bodies realease the hormone cortisol.  Cortisol is a vital hormone which is secreted by the adrenal glands. It is involved with  metabolism of glucose and release of insulin to maintain blood sugar. When we are stressed, the cortisol levels rise and can result in increased abdominal fat. Increased belly fat is related to strokes, bad levels of cholesterol (LDL) and heart attacks.

So what can we do to reduce the effects of stress on belly fat? When you are experiencing stress, it is important to be able to regulate your “fight or flight” response to reduce levels of cortisol. Things like deep breathing, guided imagery, music, exercise, and  meditation can all help your body to relax and ward off the negative effects of stress. Sometimes having a mantra like something your mother or grandmother used to say helps too. Didn’t your grandmother say “This too shall pass” and “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle”?

Of course, remember to eat well. Do not reach for the quick-fix of junk food to cure what ills. Instead, keep in control of the situation and opt for fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, whole, unprocessed foods and limit sugars. Fiber is important too so that you will feel full and avoid overeating.

If you know what causes fat belly, you can be proactive and learn to react to your body’s stress response in a relaxed way. This will only add years to your happy, active life!

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