What causes A Flabby Tummy?
Fat
And in this area it’s hard to get rid of. Spot reducing fat is not possible and you will not be able to just target this or any area alone – it’s all or nothing we’re afraid.
And as you age, your activity decreases and your metabolism slows down. And fat appears in places it wasn’t before so our quest to stay slim doesn’t go away or get any easier as we age.
Fat redistribution happens after the menopause, typically it reduces from arms, legs and hips and settles around the waist and onto the belly. The reasons for this are many and when these reason combine, they exacerbate the problem: changes to hormone levels, decreased levels of activity, slower metabolism and stress causing the hormone Cortisol which increases the level of fats and sugar in the bloodstream. Cortisol will take the fats and sugars and stack them near to the liver, which is on the waist and onto the belly.
Poor Diet
There is a belief that if you eat certain known bad foods that they migrate to the fatty areas. It therefore follows that if you eat a good healthy diet you should be able to diminish flab and fat.
A high intake of salt is said to be a factor and if you eat convenience foods then you are taking in a lot of salt without even shaking the salt cellar. Read our take on smart diet swaps.
A diet high in acidic foods can contribute to flab too as its inflammatory. A good diet should contain no more than 20% of these foods. Read our take on reducing acidic foods with our Anti Inflammatory Food Pyramid.
Slow Lifestyle
Smoking, sitting down all day and lack of exercise are obvious factors.
And you may be unlucky and have medical conditions relating to or causing increased weight. If this is the case you should consult your doctor before you embark on any new diet, supplement or exercise plan.