Potbelly Points To Cardiac Problems
Stress and stomach fat connection confirm that Yes, there is a tendency to eat more when you are under stress. So for those who are prone to storing fat in certain areas, the extra may end in the stomach region.
The stress and stomach fat connection comes from research that shows increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to higher levels of deep abdominal fat. In fact, there are a lot of things that can raise cortisol levels. From smoking and drinking alcohol to not getting enough sleep and being stressed out.
Health Problems Linked To Stomach Fat
Furthermore, obesity research shows that abdominal fat, particularly the deepest kind, known as visceral fat, may function differently than fat in other areas of the body. Abdominal fat appears to be the most metabolically active kind. This makes this type of fat the most dangerous to have. This is because it is linked to high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes, among other health problems. The good news, however, is that because it is metabolically active, it is easier to lose than fat on your hips and thighs.
If your abdominal fat is cause for concern, you can find out by measuring your waist circumference. For instance, men should aim for a waist size of 35 inches or less, and women 33 inches or less.
3 Ways To Reduce Stomach Fat
The three ways to break the stress and stomach fat connection are through the ability to control negative stress, increase cardio exercise, and eat healthier comfort foods.
Control negative stress
Stress is good when you are working within your stress limits. That is doing what you enjoy and are passionate about. Then you feel good and excited. This kind of stress is less prone to health problems. But when you are working continuously above your stress limits with no rest time to unwind, that is not healthy. This is negative stress. So to avoid letting yourself get overwhelmed by negative stress, try to plan and work within your daily schedule. And in situations when an unexpected task is thrown in, take a deep breath, relax, and sip some water. Or whatever healthy beverage calms you down. Then decide whether to place the new task at the bottom of your daily schedule or give it a priority. Whatever you decide, reaching out for comfort food should not be an option.
Increase cardio exercise
If you have excess flab, the solution is not to flop on the floor and do high repetitions of abdominal exercises like crunches. Or moves like pushups and press-ups. Those types of exercises strengthen the muscles in the area, but they do not burn enough calories to decrease the fat.
But in order to reduce abdominal fat, the more cardio workouts you do, the better. The general recommendations are to do at least 30 minutes per day of cardio activity. Or up to 60 to 90 minutes per day if you are trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss. This means more walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or using the treadmill. Remember to go slowly and gradually if you are just beginning. And then work up to more intense and longer sessions of activity.
Eat healthier comfort foods
If you rely on high carbs and fats comfort foods, you may need to change to healthier fats and wholesome foods like nuts, fresh or dried fruits, plantain, potato, and vegetable chips, or roasted corn. This is because eating healthier comfort foods is likely to increase a negative mood just as “unhealthy” foods. So you may as well grab these healthier options during high-stress times.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088
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