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What Causes Belly Fat in Females Know the Reasons and How to Reduce

Updated on: Feb 07, 2024
5 min Read
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Medically Reviewed

Dr. Anuradha Mandlekar

Head, Department of Physiotherapy
What Causes Belly Fat in Females Know the Reasons and How to Reduce
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Few things are more stubborn than the BELLY FAT! 😁.

It’s that one body part where most women (and men) find it so difficult to lose weight – and do so much just to get a few inches off it!

But hey ladies, before you read more, let us tell you that you are as beautiful as you are. Your body shape does not determine the lovely person in you. And we also understand that you could be gaining belly fat due to multiple medical conditions.

So, if that’s the case please reach out to your doctor and get an expert opinion. However, if your belly fat is because of unhealthy eating habits, then it’s time to rectify that. Why? Because excess belly fat can lead to many health-related complications.

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Ready to shed those extra pounds around your tummy? Here is our complete guide to what causes belly fat in females and what are the effective ways to reduce it.

What Causes Belly Fat in Females?

While belly fat can change a woman’s appearance, it can also have an impact on many other aspects of her life. Did you know excessive belly fat can lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart ailments, dementia, cancer, etc.?

But #WorryNot, you can always reduce belly fat with some effective methods. First, however, you need to understand the causes that contribute to belly fat in your body. Check out the following section for more:

1) Genetics

Did you know even genetics play a major role in you having belly fat?  That’s because familial DNA regulates gene receptors which are responsible for belly fat storage and calorie intake.

According to a recent study, hereditary variables (or generic factors) have a significant impact on where you store your body fat, and this effect is more prominent in women than in men.

2) Menopause

Menopause comes with various hormonal changes, and could also lead to lower metabolic rate, loss of muscle mass, increase in body fat percentage which in turn could lead to increase in belly fat. A drop in oestrogen level results in fat redistribution to the belly area.

3) An Unhealthy Diet

Guess what? Those sugary treats come at a price! Cakes, chocolates and juices usually have high sugar content, which contributes to belly fat. In addition, you may be at risk if you enjoy junk food frequently. Fried food and food from refrigerated dough can again suppress the ability of your body to burn fat.

4) An Unhealthy Lifestyle

With the busy urban lifestyle, how many of you actually maintain a fixed healthy routine?  A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to belly fat accumulation if no workout regime is included.

Busy work schedules encourage mindless snacking. While it seems tempting, it takes a toll on your physical well-being. Limited physical activity in desk jobs can also build layers of fat in the body.

5) Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and postpartum periods can make your body vulnerable to gaining belly fat. While there is a morning glow and an opportunity to create a new life, the risks of fat accumulation are high. Especially during the third trimester, you will experience an increased tendency to eat a variety of snacks.

6) Stress

Stressing over what causes belly fat in females? The answer is in the question, it is stress. In the current lifestyle, stress and anxiety have become more concerning than ever. Stress triggers the cortisol level, which is the major stress hormone. It is directly linked with abdominal obesity.

7) Ageing

While those anti-ageing creams may come in handy to deal with wrinkles and lines, there is no escape from belly fat without proper measures. Women usually see an increase in belly fat as they start ageing.

Did you know, muscle mass diminishes with age, reducing the rate of calorie utilisation? As a result, you can face a reduced metabolism, which contributes to fat accumulation.

How Can Women Reduce Belly Fat?

Now comes the question of the hour, how to reduce belly fat? It is important to understand that the process can be tricky and differ on an individual level.

Too much weight causes the body to store fat in places like the belly region, which can lead to serious health issues. Ignoring belly fat can cost you your physical well-being.

So, are you ready to shed the extra pounds? Here are a few strategies that you can try:

1) Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy balanced diet is probably the basic step towards reducing belly fat. Opt for food high in nutrients and vitamins. Fresh vegetables, and nuts, instead of processed foods, red meat, etc., Make sure to include fibre-rich food items like vegetables, beans, lentils, etc., in your diet.

Habituated to carbohydrates in your daily diet? You must know, that while carbs are tasty food items, they can be a serious problem if you are trying to cut down belly fat. These are high in calories with limited nutritional value. Hence, remember to Have a balanced diet.

2) Say No to Alcohol

Yes, we understand those weekend get-togethers are incomplete without a drink or two. However, if you are committed to reducing belly fat, you must restrict alcohol consumption as much as possible. Alcohol leads to the accumulation of belly fat with its high-calorie contents.

3) Maintain a Sleep Pattern

Addicted to binge-watching shows at night? It’s time to get rid of that habit. An unhealthy sleep routine can cause weight gain, preventing your body from getting the required rest and time to heal. Increased belly fat cannot be addressed properly with an unhealthy sleep pattern.

4) Exercising Regularly

Exercise can be made fun and exciting. Indulge in activities you enjoy like dancing or a favourite sport. Listen to music while you walk or exercise. Get a walking partner who is equally committed to losing weight as you are. To start with – just get moving but remember to keep a fixed routine so your body starts adjusting to it.

FitterTake

Belly fat takes a lot of time and effort to start reducing. Stay patient and dedicated. And we suggest you aim at getting a fitter self than looking at reducing any particular part’s fat..

You could also enroll your name in Fitterfly’s online weight loss program today and receive expert assistance in the process. We offer scientifically designed programs for you to lose weight in a healthy manner. Reach out to our experts to understand more. You are just a call away from a fitter you!

Speak to us today! Just give us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food causes belly fat in females?

Belly fat can be influenced by consuming high-sugar treats, cakes, chocolates, and sugary juices. Additionally, frequent consumption of junk food, fried items, and refrigerated dough can contribute to belly fat accumulation.

What causes belly fat in older females?

As women age, there is a natural reduction in muscle mass, leading to a decreased metabolic rate. This age-related decrease in metabolism can contribute to fat accumulation, particularly around the belly area. Another factor which can lead to belly fat could be due to hypothyroidism.

What causes belly fat in teenage females?

Factors such as unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and hormonal changes during puberty, PCOS and hypothyroidism can contribute to belly fat in teenage females. It's essential for teenagers to adopt a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

What causes belly fat in young females?

For young females, a combination of unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and stress can contribute to belly fat. Other factors include PCOS and hypothyroidism. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress are crucial for preventing and reducing belly fat.

What causes belly fat in females?

Belly fat in females can result from various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes during menopause, an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyles, pregnancy, stress, and the natural aging process. Understanding these contributors is crucial for effective belly fat reduction.

How does genetics contribute to belly fat in females?

Genetics plays a significant role in the distribution of body fat, especially in the abdominal area. Familial DNA regulates gene receptors responsible for belly fat storage and calorie intake, with women being more susceptible to these genetic factors than men.

How does menopause affect belly fat in females?

Menopause brings about hormonal changes, including a decrease in estrogen levels, leading to a lower metabolic rate, loss of muscle mass, and an increase in body fat percentage. This hormonal shift often results in fat redistribution to the belly area.

Can an unhealthy diet lead to belly fat in females?

Yes, an unhealthy diet that includes high-sugar treats, junk food, fried items, and processed foods can contribute to the accumulation of belly fat. Additionally, excessive consumption of carbohydrates may hinder efforts to reduce belly fat.

How does a sedentary lifestyle impact belly fat in females?

A sedentary lifestyle, common in busy urban settings, contributes to belly fat accumulation due to a lack of physical activity and the absence of a regular workout routine. Desk jobs with limited physical movement can also lead to the buildup of fat layers in the body.

Does pregnancy and postpartum contribute to belly fat in females?

Yes, pregnancy and postpartum periods make the body vulnerable to gaining belly fat, especially during the third trimester. Increased snacking tendencies during pregnancy can contribute to fat accumulation, requiring attention for postpartum weight management.

Is stress linked to belly fat in females?

Absolutely, stress triggers the release of cortisol, a major stress hormone directly linked to abdominal obesity. In today's lifestyle, stress and anxiety have become significant contributors to the accumulation of belly fat in females.

How does aging impact belly fat in females?

As women age, there is a natural decrease in muscle mass, resulting in a reduced metabolism and calorie utilization. This age-related decline in metabolism contributes to an increase in belly fat, emphasizing the importance of proper measures to address it.

What strategies can females adopt to reduce belly fat?

To reduce belly fat, females can adopt several strategies, including maintaining a healthy diet with nutrient-rich foods, limiting alcohol consumption, establishing a consistent sleep pattern, and incorporating regular exercise into their routine. A holistic approach is essential for effective and sustainable belly fat reduction.

- By Fitterfly Health-Team

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