How Does Aging Lead to Belly Fat Accumulation?

---

As we age, many people notice a gradual change in body fat distribution, particularly around the abdomen. But why does this happen? What mechanisms are at play, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

• Discovery of the gene responsible for fat accumulation in the body

• “Fatty Marbling”: A Hidden Muscle Problem That Threatens the Heart

1. Age-related hormonal changes

Aging is accompanied by significant hormonal shifts. In women, menopause leads to a drop in estrogen levels, while men experience a gradual decline in testosterone. These hormonal imbalances promote fat storage, especially in the abdominal area.

Estrogen plays a crucial role in fat regulation. When levels decrease, the body tends to store more visceral fat — the deep fat that surrounds internal organs. In men, declining testosterone can reduce muscle mass, slow metabolism, and contribute tofat .

• Accumulated Fat in Your Muscles Poses a Threat to Your Life

• Belly Fat: Its Health Risks and Ways to Reduce It

2. Slower metabolism

As we age, our basal metabolic rate — the number of calories we burn at rest — naturally decreases. This means the body burns fewer calories each day, even if dietary habits remain the same. Without dietary or activity adjustments, this imbalance favors fat accumulation.

3. Muscle loss (sarcopenia)

Aging is associated with muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. Less muscle mass means a slower metabolism since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat. This muscle loss indirectly contributes to increased belly fat.

• A danger threatening men… Tips to get rid of visceral fat 

• Study: Fast-Food Workers More Prone to Obesity and Hypertension

4. Lifestyle changes

With age, it’s common to become less physically active due to pain, reduced motivation, or routine changes. A more sedentary lifestyle, combined with a high-calorie or sugar-rich diet, accelerates abdominal weight gain.

5. Insulin resistance

Aging can also lead to increased insulin resistance, meaning the body’s cells respond less effectively to insulin. This condition promotes weight gain, particularly around the waist.

• For These Reasons… Do Not Try to Lose Weight During Pregnancy

• What happens to the body when walking for 20 minutes in the morning?

What can we do to fight abdominal fat?

• Stay physically active, incorporating both cardio and strength training exercises.
• Adopt a balanced diet, high in fiber and low in refined sugars and saturated fats.
• Monitor weight and body composition, rather than relying solely on BMI.
• Manage stress, which can increase belly fat through elevated cortisol levels.
• Prioritize good sleep, as poor sleep quality can negatively affect metabolism.

• 5 Tips to Alleviate bloated feeling after a heavy meal 

• A doctor warns of the biggest and “hidden” cause of obesity