Belly fat is something that most of us have struggled with at some point in life. It is not just about vanity but, more importantly, about the impact of belly fat on the overall health of women. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind it and share 6 ways to get rid of belly fat.
According to the New York Times,
~excess abdominal fat-particularly visceral fat, the kind that surrounds our organs and puffs our stomach into a “beer gut”-is a predictor of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
As women age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy weight, especially around the belly area. This is due to a combination of hormonal changes, a slowing metabolism, and a decrease in physical activity.
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5 Reasons for Belly Fat in Women Over 50
So, what causes lower belly fat in females?
As per WebMD, Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, develops when the body stores excess calories as fat in the abdominal area. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of belly fat, including:
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are a major factor in the development of belly fat in women over 50. As women age, their levels of estrogen decrease, particularly during menopause, leading to a redistribution of body fat from the hips and thighs to the abdomen.
This is because estrogen helps to regulate weight and fat distribution in the body. This increase in belly fat is often referred to as “menopause belly.” The decrease in estrogen levels also leads to a decrease in muscle mass, which slows down the metabolism and makes it easier to gain weight.
Stress: Stress can also contribute to belly fat in women over 50. As we age, we tend to accumulate more stress (financial responsibilities, health concerns, etc.) which can lead to an increase in the hormone cortisol, a hormone that promotes the storage of belly fat.
High levels of cortisol can lead to the accumulation of belly fat and other health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Lack of Physical Activity/Sedentary Lifestyle: As we age, it becomes more difficult to maintain a consistent level of physical activity. We may become more sedentary, which can contribute to a decrease in muscle mass and a slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight, especially belly fat.
A lack of physical activity can also lead to an increase in belly fat, as the body is not burning as many calories as it should be. It’s important to maintain an active lifestyle to keep the metabolism revved up, and the body burns calories.
Processed Foods and Improper Diet: A poor diet can also contribute to belly fat in women over 50. As we age, we tend to consume more calories than we need, and we may not be getting enough of the nutrients our bodies need to function properly.
A diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lead to an increase in belly fat, as well as other health problems.
Decreased Metabolism: It is common knowledge that our metabolism naturally slows down as we age. This means that we burn fewer calories at rest than we did when we were younger. This can lead to weight gain, particularly in the belly area.
Before we start discussing the ways to reduce belly fat, it is important to understand how the causes and challenges associated with belly fat can differ for women from different age groups, and this will allow us to understand better what ways would work best for women over 50.
Belly Fat is a Common Concern For Women of All Ages
For women under 30, belly fat may be due to a combination of factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and hormonal imbalances. In this age group, hormonal imbalances may be related to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues.
Women in their 20s and 30s may also be dealing with the pressures of work, relationships, and societal expectations, which can contribute to stress and poor lifestyle choices that lead to the development of belly fat.
On the other hand, women over 50 may experience hormonal changes due to menopause, which can lead to an increase in belly fat. During menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, which can lead to the accumulation of belly fat.
Many women want to know how to get rid of menopause belly naturally. Keep reading! We got ya covered.
Additionally, women over 50 may be dealing with other age-related changes, such as a slower metabolism, decreased muscle mass, and reduced activity levels.
Now that we have understood some of the common reasons for belly fat in women over 50, it is time to move on to the final section, which is to identify practical ways to help reduce it.
Self-Care Tends to Be Low on Our Priority List
Before we cover those points, we should address the fact that, as women, we are somewhat programmed to focus more on our familial and work commitments than on self-care.
More often than not, women tend to de-prioritize themselves over other responsibilities, and this might have a longer-lasting impact on their overall health, especially once women hit menopause, which is a major contributing factor towards increased belly fat.
Therefore, the first step to get rid of belly fat for women over 50 (and in general, too) would be to prioritize self-care, which will allow them to include the following habits in their daily routine.
6 Strategies to Get Rid of Belly Fat in Women
Here are 6 ways to help you get rid of belly fat.
1 Engage in Regular Physical Activity
We all know how important staying physically active is for everyone, irrespective of age. For women over 50, it becomes increasingly important to focus on exercise/physical activity to reduce belly fat because of reduced metabolism. Activities such as cardio, strength training, tai chi, and yoga can be effective.
Strength Training/ Incorporate resistance training: Strength training is an excellent way to reduce belly fat in women over 50. It helps to build muscle mass, which increases metabolism and helps to burn more calories throughout the day. Strength training can also help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is a common problem in women over 50 (Healthline).
Cardiovascular exercise is another effective way to reduce belly fat in women over 50. Activities such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming can help to increase the heart rate and burn calories. Cardiovascular exercise can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, a common problem in women over 50.
Yoga: Yoga is a great way to reduce belly fat as it combines physical movement with deep breathing and relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress levels. Additionally, certain yoga poses can target the abdominal muscles, helping to tone and strengthen the area.
Research has found that actively looking for a new workout partner and exercising together benefits exercise and emotional support as we age.
2 Reduce Stress
Reducing stress can also help to reduce belly fat in women over 50. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to lower cortisol levels and reduce the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Other ways to address the stress levels to help reduce weight gain: step outside in nature and enjoy the greenery, develop new hobbies or prioritize existing ones, and take time out for therapy, if required.
3 Nutrient-Rich Diet/Focus on a Healthy Diet:
Improving the diet is another effective way to reduce belly fat in women over 50. A diet that is high in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help to reduce the risk of health problems and promote weight loss. Probiotics have also been found to be helpful when it comes to reducing weight.
Instead of frying foods, broil or BBQ them. Replace that sugar with a healthier sugar substitute. Skip the processed foods and opt for fresher produce.
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats; it can help reduce the risk of belly fat and other health problems.
In addition to focusing on what we are eating, another important factor to consider is when we are eating. As we grow older, it is very important to maintain strict mealtimes and avoid mindless eating throughout the day.
Avoid crash diets: Women over 50 should actively avoid crash diets and fad diets. Rapid weight loss can lead to the loss of muscle mass and a decrease in metabolism, which can contribute to the accumulation of belly fat.
4 Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories, which can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Alcohol consumption has been shown to slow down the process of burning fat, make us feel hungry, and can lead to cravings for processed foods.
By reducing alcohol consumption, women over 50 can give a boost to the fat-burning process, which can subsequently reduce belly fat.
5 Drink Plenty of Water
This tip is effective for everyone, not just women over 50. Staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and aid in weight loss.
Promotes fullness: It is common knowledge that drinking water before meals can help us feel fuller, which may help us eat less and reduce our calorie intake. This can lead to weight loss, including a reduction in belly fat.
Increases metabolism: Drinking water can help boost our metabolism and fasten the process by which our body converts food into energy. A higher metabolism can lead to increased calorie burn, which can help reduce body fat, including belly fat.
Helps flush out toxins: Water helps to flush out toxins from our body, which can contribute to belly fat. When our body is dehydrated, it can retain water, leading to bloating and a larger waistline. Drinking enough water can help reduce bloating and water retention.
Reduces sugar cravings: Drinking water can also help reduce sugar cravings. When we are dehydrated, we may feel thirsty and mistake it for hunger. This can lead to overeating and increased sugar intake, which can contribute to belly fat.
Drinking water can help us distinguish between hunger and thirst, reducing the likelihood of overeating and consuming excess sugar.
6 Get Adequate Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in weight management and can have a significant impact on belly fat.
As suggested by the NIA, as we grow old, we should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, follow a consistent sleep schedule, avoid late afternoon/evening naps, avoid large meals before bedtime, and avoid other distractions that can affect the quality of sleep.
Getting adequate sleep can play an important role in reducing belly fat. Here are a few reasons why:
Regulates hormones: Research has shown that lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger and cravings. This can result in overeating and an increase in belly fat. Adequate sleep can help regulate these hormones, reducing hunger and cravings and promoting a healthy weight.
Reduces stress: Chronic stress can contribute to belly fat by increasing the production of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage in the abdominal area. Adequate sleep can help reduce stress levels, which in turn can lead to a reduction in cortisol levels and a decrease in belly fat.
Increases energy levels: As we already know, lack of sleep can leave us feeling tired and sluggish, making it harder to engage in physical activity and burn calories. Adequate sleep can help increase our energy levels, making it easier to engage in regular exercise and achieve a healthy weight.
Changing Anything Takes Time and is Not Easy
Let’s face it: change is not easy. Especially when we have to completely overhaul our entire lifestyle in order to stay fit and healthy. But it’s worth it. While diet and exercise will be most effective, don’t discount the other ways shared.
I always suggest choosing a date that you wish to start implementing any change, not too far in the future, and sticking to it like you would a doctor’s appointment.
Losing belly fat won’t be easy, it will be hard work, but you’re worth it.
Then, prepare yourself mentally and use powerful affirmations that are going to fire you up, and look forward to your new life!
Consistency is Key In Order to Get Rid of Belly Fat
As we have discussed a few effective ways to reduce belly fat, it is equally important to note that while these tips can help get rid of belly fat, they do not work overnight. We must stay committed to these effective habits and incorporate them into our daily lifestyle to the extent possible.
Our key takeaway here is that reducing belly fat in women over 50 requires a multifaceted approach that includes healthy eating, a regular exercise routine recommended for women over 50, stress management, and adequate sleep, among others.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, women over 50 can reduce their risk of developing health issues associated with belly fat and maintain a healthy weight.
Consistency is key to reducing belly fat and achieving overall health and wellness.
“I may be a senior, but so what? I’m still hot.” – Betty White.
