Diet, exercise and genetics play a huge part in weight management, but there are other things to consider when trying to reduce your body fat percentage.
High levels of stress can encourage the body to hold onto more fat around the stomach area.
This is explained by Dr Elias Ortiz, chief bariatric surgeon at Elias Ortiz & Company.
While it is not always possible to spot reduce body fat, the doctor suggested managing stress levels can give you a flatter stomach.
Stress can cause the body to store more belly fat
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He said: “High stress can actually lead to more belly fat because it triggers the release of cortisol – a hormone that encourages your body to store fat around your midsection.”
Stress can also cause people to crave unhealthy foods and make it more difficult to stick to a healthy routine, according to the doctor. He shared more information about how to reduce stress levels day to day.
Dr Ortiz continued: “If you’re constantly stressed, it can also lead to cravings for sugary or high-calorie foods, making weight loss even harder.
“To help with this, try simple stress-management techniques like deep breathing, getting enough sleep or doing activities that help you relax – whether that’s reading, meditating or just going for a walk.
“Keeping your stress in check can make a big difference in your overall health and help you lose belly fat more effectively.”
Indeed, Harvard Health Publishing references studies that link unhealthy eating habits with excessive stress. It said: “Stress also seems to affect food preferences.
“Numerous studies – granted, many of them in animals – have shown that physical or emotional distress increases the intake of food high in fat, sugar, or both.
A doctor shared tips to help you minimise stress
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“High cortisol levels, in combination with high insulin levels, may be responsible. Other research suggests that ghrelin, a ‘hunger hormone’ may have a role.”
Of course, eating right and regularly working out are important for a healthy lifestyle and for losing fat.
This comes as a health pro shared how you can “boost your ability to burn belly fat” by eating more of three types of foods.