Tummy Fat - Why We Have the Extra Weight Around Our Belly

There are a variety of reasons as to why we have the extra weight around our waist. Though most of us tend to think it is because we lead sedentary lives and eat the wrong foods [the most common cause for this weight problem], there are other factors beyond our control that can also cause our bellies to bulge.

So let's review the outlying causes of the spare tire around our waist before we start trying to burn it off with exercise and dieting.

1) Genetics - this is beyond our control as our shapes and sizes are programmed into our genes long before we are born. There are basically two body shapes that involve belly fat, these are the pear shape and the apple shape.

* Pear shape - most fats get stored in the lower parts of the body [hips, thighs, tummy and buttocks] * Apple shape - fats tend to be stored in the middle section of the body [stomach/mid section]

This is probably the hardest to swallow as we all want to be slim and trim, so if our relatives tend to the big belly then it is more than likely you will.

2) Slow metabolism - this generally comes on as you get older, as the metabolism [burning of calories] slows down the storage of fat [unfortunately for some it is around the waist] is a side effect.

3) Digestion problems - some gastrointestinal problems can cause bloating and a excess of gas, some people take this as extra belly fat when it is actually just a 'bubble' and a change of diet to less gassy foods will help.

4) Improper posture - yes this can cause a person to have a 'pot belly', hunching over puts extra strain on the stomach and it tends to 'bunch' up. Remember to stand tall, shoulders back, stomach in and head held high, this will improve the bulge around your waist even if you have a little tummy fat.

5) Stress - a major problem for one and all in these modern times. Most people tend to eat when stressed and of course this adds on the weight, and generally this weight goes straight to the belly [and of course the rest of the body may also put on weight]. This is a difficult one to solve as trying to lead a stress free life is near impossible with our daily commitments, work load and of course trying to raise a family etc.

6) Late night snacking or meals - never eat anything for at least 3 hours before you go to bed, this is very important in controlling not only your belly fat but also your weight as well. You food should be fully digested by the time you go to bed [this will help control the weight around the middle], and if you really have to eat something just before retiring, try a small handful of nuts.

7) Last but not least - Menopause - the poor women out there that have suffered through this will tend to notice that the belly is getting a bit bigger than they would like, this is because the body starts storing fat at a slightly different rate [faster sadly enough] and though it focuses mainly on the tummy [there are some lucky post-menopausal women out there that don't have this problem] it can also increase the persons general weight gain.

Hopefully the info above helps to clarify the cause of belly fat. Try determine what is causing yours and rectify the problem as best you can. Remember - exercise and healthy eating can help you get that trim figure back.