Losing weight is usually a question of appearance, but far be it for us to impose unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards. However, wanting to lose weight can be for health reasons as well, because it will help put you on the road to having a healthier lifestyle, and feeling better. Allow us to explain how!
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There is considered to be a case of abdominal obesity when the belly measures 40 inches around in men, and 35 inches in women. Here are a few tips on how to lose a bit of belly!
Avoid eating too much sugar and drinking sugary drinks
Studies have shown that sugar can be directly linked to an increase in fat mass in the belly, since sugar is composed of glucose and fructose. However, fructose can only be metabolised by the liver in large quantities. When you eat a lot of foods with added sugars, the liver becomes overloaded with sugar, and then turns it into fat.
Many studies have shown that excess sugar can be linked to an accumulation of fat in the stomach and liver. So say goodbye to sodas and other extremely sweet drinks such as fruit juice. On the other hand, you can still continue to eat fruit since they are good for one’s health, and they contain fibre that reduces the effects of sugar.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol
Alcohol can be consumed in small amounts, but studies have shown that it can contribute to weight gain in the stomach area. Reducing the number of pints of beer you drink may, therefore, help you reduce the circumference of your waist.
Reduce your stress level
Stress can lead to an increase in belly fat by triggering the production of cortisol (also called the stress hormone) by the adrenal glands. Research suggests that high cortisol levels are linked to an increased appetite, and can lead to the storage of fat in the belly.
In addition, women who already have a large waist circumference tend to produce more cortisol than the average in response to stress, resulting in an increase in belly size. There's nothing better than yoga or meditation to reduce stress!
Do aerobic exercises
According to researchers, not only are aerobic exercises a great way to burn calories and improve one’s health, but they are also one of the most effective ways to lose belly fat!
Losing weight remains a personal matter however; this guide is intended to give a boost to people who want to lose a bit of fat, but let's not forget, all bodies are beautiful!
