Lose weight by managing a lifestyle factor that is 'directly linked to belly fat'

The body is more likely to hold onto fat when it is in a state of stress, Jennifer Pallian, registered dietitian (BSc Food, Nutrition and Health, RD), explained.

She said: "We all know stress can take a toll on our bodies, but did you know it’s directly linked to belly fat? When we're stressed, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal HPA axis, the body's primary stress response system, gets activated, ramping up cortisol production.

"This stress-induced eating, combined with the cortisol effect, creates a vicious cycle of belly fat that can be hard to break.

"On top of that, stress messes with our sleep, and lack of sleep can also contribute to visceral fat gain, so it really is a double whammy."

Removing stress from your life is not always straightforward. Work pressure, busy routines and hectic lifestyles can all contribute to this, and often seem unavoidable.

However, the health pro suggested a number of ways to try to manage this, such as exercise, stretching and breathing techniques.

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She continued: "Stress management techniques like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), deep breathing, and even just regular physical activity can help keep cortisol levels in check.

"Finding ways to manage stress isn’t just about feeling better in the moment; it’s about preventing belly fat and improving our long-term health."

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