(Menopausal) Obesity… Belly fat that accumulates with age, what is the diet to lose it without starving?

Now that I'm in my 40s, no matter how much I exercise, I can't lose my belly fat.

Our body's systems change drastically once we reach our 40s. No matter how much we exercise, muscle does not grow easily, while the rate at which muscle turns into fat accelerates, leading many people, regardless of gender, to express concerns about thick belly fat.

It is also a problem that as the intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fats increases, the calorie intake of modern people is rapidly rising while their activity levels are steadily decreasing. In particular

Menopausal women are prone to developing a "spider-like" body shape, characterized by an enlarged abdomen due to the accumulation of visceral fat caused by a decline in female hormone secretion. Since abdominal obesity can lead to complications such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver, it requires special management.

◇ Mediterranean diet helps improve obesity

So, what should you change first to lose belly fat? Experts point to a balanced diet as the key above all else. In particular, experts unanimously agree that practicing the Mediterranean diet, which was named the world's best diet for six consecutive years from 2018 to 2023 by US News and World Report, is beneficial not only for reducing belly fat but also for preventing chronic diseases caused by obesity.

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary method of Mediterranean coastal countries that utilizes healthy ingredients such as vegetables, olive oil, fish, and meat to provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, as well as essential amino acids and essential fatty acids.