7 things that make you gain belly fat

Excess belly fat is extremely unhealthy.

Some studies suggest that low testosterone causes excess belly fat while others claim that excess belly fat contributes to lower levels of testosterone which is connected to erectile dysfunction.

Sugary beverages

Studies have shown a link between high sugar intake and excess belly fat. This may be largely due to the high fructose content of added sugars. Both regular sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are high in fructose. Frequently consuming foods and beverages high in sugar or high-fructose corn syrup may cause belly fat gain.

Alcohol

Alcohol can have both healthful and harmful effects. When consumed in moderate amounts, especially red wine, it may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some studies have shown that alcohol suppresses fat burning and that excess calories from alcohol are partly stored as belly fat.

Trans Fats

Trans Fats are the unhealthiest fats on the planet. They’re created by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats in order to make them more stable and are often used to extend the shelf life of packaged foods, such as muffins, baking mixes and crackers.

Trans fats have been shown to cause inflammation and can lead to insulin resistance, heart disease and various other diseases.

Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for poor health. People have generally become less active than a couple of decades ago. This has played a role in the rising rates of obesity, including abdominal obesity. One study also suggests that inactivity contributes to the regain of belly fat after losing weight.

Low-Protein diets

Getting adequate dietary protein is one of the most important factors in preventing weight gain. High-Protein diets increase your metabolic rate and lead to a spontaneous reduction in calorie intake. Low protein intake may drive hunger and belly fat gain. It may also increase the hunger hormone neuropeptide Y. Several large observational studies suggest that people who consume the highest amount of protein are the least likely to have excess belly fat.

Stress and Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that’s essential for survival. It’s produced by the adrenal glands as a “stress hormone” because it helps the body to mount a stress response. Unfortunately, it can lead to weight gain when produced in excess, especially in the abdominal region. This is particularly true in women with higher waist-to-hip ratios.

Genetics

Genes play a major role in obesity risk. It appears that the tendency to store fat in the abdomen is partly influenced by genetics. This includes the gene for the receptor that regulates cortisol and the gene that codes for the leptin receptor, which regulates calorie intake and weight. In 2014, researchers identified three new genes associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio and abdominal obesity, including two that were found only in women. Much more research needs to be conducted in this area.