If you are trying hard but still can't lose belly fat, hormonal imbalance may be the cause. Here, we explore the hormones responsible for storing belly fat and how to address them, as reported by the American health information site 'Prevention'.

 

Hormonal changes lead to fat accumulation in the abdomen

 

Dr. Krista Gonzalez, an endocrinologist and educator in the United States, said, "There are several hormones in our bodies that influence the way fat is transported in the abdomen." Estrogen, a female hormone, is involved in fat distribution, and when estrogen levels decrease due to menopause or other reasons, fat tends to accumulate around the central part of the body, the abdomen.

 

When testosterone levels, a male hormone, decrease, body composition changes such as a reduction in muscle mass occur, leading to an increase in abdominal fat. Excessive secretion of the stress hormone cortisol results in weight gain and increased abdominal fat distribution. As abdominal fat gradually accumulates, the function of leptin hormone, which suppresses appetite, may also decline.

 

Dr. Gonzalez said, "When leptin cannot function properly due to accumulation of belly fat, it leads to a vicious cycle where you don't feel full, causing more belly fat to accumulate and weight to increase."

Physical symptoms indicating hormonal changes

 

If belly fat is not easily reduced and the following physical symptoms are present, hormonal imbalance may be suspected.

 

The main symptom is that belly fat does not decrease despite exercise or dietary control. Sarah Gottfried, an American hormone therapy expert, said, "As estrogen levels decline due to aging, menopause, etc., insulin resistance increases, leading to belly fat accumulation," and "When insulin resistance is high, the body stores fat instead of burning it, making it difficult to lose belly fat through exercise or diet control."

 

Insulin resistance also affects leptin hormones, leading to symptoms of uncontrolled appetite and overeating. In women, mood swings and easy depression may occur. Additionally, insomnia and persistent anxiety are other signs of hormonal changes.

 

◇ How to restore hormonal balance

 

To maintain hormonal balance, appropriate lifestyle changes and medical intervention must be combined. Dr. Gottfried said, "To improve belly fat caused by hormonal changes, you should engage in regular exercise and get at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night." Exercise should include a proper combination of strength training and aerobic activities to simultaneously increase muscle mass and boost metabolism.

 

It is good to reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates such as white rice, flour, and sugar, and to increase the consumption of fiber-rich foods like beans and vegetables.

 

Mir Ali, a surgeon at an American weight loss center, said, "If you have established an appropriate diet and exercise plan, it is advisable to visit the hospital and review it with medical staff or a professional nutritionist," and added, "Since underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism can cause hormonal changes and increased abdominal fat, expert intervention is necessary." When a disease is diagnosed, personalized treatment is carried out, such as administering deficient hormones or considering weight loss medications.

 

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Hormones have a significant impact on dieting.

To maintain balance, it always comes out every time.

Carbohydrates???

 

Increasing fiber intake seems to be fundamental.