Belly fat is caused by a combination of factors including diet, physical inactivity, hormonal changes, stress, genetics, and aging. Consuming more calories than the body burns, especially from high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, contributes to fat accumulation around the abdomen. Lack of exercise, stress-induced cortisol increases, and poor sleep quality also promote belly fat storage. Additionally, genetics and hormonal changes such as menopause influence where fat is stored. Visceral fat, which surrounds abdominal organs, is particularly linked to chronic diseases and is affected by diet, inactivity, and stress.
Key causes include:
- Overeating high-calorie foods and alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity and muscle loss with aging
- Stress and higher cortisol levels
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
- Gut bacteria imbalance and genetics
- Poor sleep quality
These factors often interact, leading to increased abdominal fat.
