What's The Big Deal With Belly Fat?

They say that with age comes wisdom. While that may be true, we moms would’ve liked a bit more warning about midlife. We’ve got mood swings, hot flashes, chin hair, and belly fat, too. Sure, we might have the wisdom to deal with all that ails us at this stage, but it doesn’t make it any more fun.

When it comes to belly fat, it may appear even if we aren’t actually gaining any weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, women, in particular, notice more belly fat as their estrogen levels decrease. The belly seems to be the spot on a woman’s body that likes a bit more fluff, whether we want it or not. A bit of belly fat is OK, but too much is linked to serious health conditions.

By Wix

Per the Mayo Clinic, belly fat is some invasive stuff. It’s not just surface fat just below the skin; it’s actually considered visceral fat. That means it's deep in the abdomen, surrounding internal organs. When you have excessive belly fat, it can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, and even cancer.

To prevent excessive weight gain around our waistline, we should follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. Make sure to drink plenty of water and limit portion sizes.

“The ideal approach involves addressing your overall lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet of whole, naturally fiber-rich foods, being regularly active, prioritizing sleep, not drinking excessively, and managing stress,” Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian from Los Angeles who specializes in nutrition and plant-based eating, shared with AARP.  

By Wix

Sass recommends a plant-based diet, intermittent fasting, and high-intensity interval training. Getting your body moving and calories burning will always help the bottom line. You may not notice a dramatic reduction in belly fat, but preventing any more from forming is equally important. It all goes together.

“You can’t out-exercise a bad diet,” Michele Promaulayko told AARP. “Eating a healthy diet and working out are great companions.”

Use a bit of that wisdom you’ve developed in the last few decades and make some strides toward better health. If it means fewer sugary drinks and a few more laps around the block, your body will thank you later.