Visceral fat is one of those types that is difficult to eliminate, and attempts can fail despite seriousness and commitment. At the same time, there are certain reasons that explain the inability to achieve a flat stomach despite all the serious attempts, as published in Doctissimo.
**What is Visceral Fat?**
Visceral fat accumulates deep within the abdomen and can surround organs in the digestive system, posing health risks. The difficulty in getting rid of it emerges after it builds up. It secretes inflammatory substances that cause metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and other heart and vascular diseases. Therefore, measuring waist circumference is one important factor that cannot be overlooked and is considered a health standard.
**What are the reasons for the failure to eliminate visceral fat?**
- **Genetic predisposition:** While lifestyle and diet are essential factors in fat accumulation, genetic predisposition contributes to some individuals being more prone to fat accumulation around the waist. As a result, this area is considerably affected by weight gain in some people.
- **Hormonal imbalance:** Hormones are essential for the body. As women age, they tend to accumulate visceral fat with decreasing estrogen levels. Consequently, fat accumulates around the waist. Men can also be prone to this with decreasing testosterone levels.
- **Increased cortisol and stress:** Due to gland dysfunction, cortisol production may increase. This can also happen with excessive exposure to stress. This increases fat accumulation in the abdomen. When feeling stressed, cortisol contributes to fat accumulation, especially around the waist.
- **Decreased metabolic activity:** Women generally have a lower metabolic rate compared to men, making them more likely to accumulate calories and fats in the body.
- **Decreased leptin levels:** Studies show that the levels of leptin, the hormone that signals satiety, decrease in women as they age. This drives them to eat excessively and consume more calories compared to what they burn and what their body needs.
- **Excessive sugar consumption:** Eating behaviors also impact fat levels around the waist. Studies have shown a link between excessive sugar consumption and fat accumulation around the waist. Additionally, insulin resistance increases with age, worsening the problem.
- **Repeated "yo-yo" dieting:** The repeated fluctuations in weight lead the body to store fat at increased rates, making it increasingly difficult to get rid of it despite serious attempts. The body may have experienced deprivation many times, choosing to maintain its reserves instead of responding to the new diet.
**How to eliminate visceral fat?**
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fibers, low-fat proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids.
- Exercise regularly, focusing on activities that help burn belly fat, such as brisk walking and swimming.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, and yoga.
- Ensure good sleep quality to maintain metabolic activity and avoid overeating during the day.
