Stubborn Belly Fat: Transform Your Body, Boost Health

What Causes Belly Fat? Understanding Visceral vs Subcutaneous Fat

What is Belly Fat?

Belly fat refers to the excess fat that accumulates in the abdominal region. While some fat is essential for cushioning organs and energy storage, an excess around your middle can signal health challenges.

This isn’t just about appearance; the type and location of fat play a significant role in your overall well-being. Now, we know you’re struggling to understand how to lose belly fat. It starts with knowing what you’re dealing with and why it matters.

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Types of Belly Fat

Subcutaneous Fat

Subcutaneous fat lies directly beneath the skin (Ref). When you ‘pinch an inch’, this is the fat you feel. While not as dangerous as other types, excessive subcutaneous fat can still pose health risks over time. This fat responds well to consistent lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise to lose belly fat.

Visceral Fat

Visceral fat is deeper and surrounds vital organs like the liver and intestines (Ref). Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is biologically active, releasing compounds that can increase inflammation, insulin resistance, and the risk of heart disease.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of belly fat efficiently, focusing on reducing visceral fat is key, as it’s directly tied to chronic illness.

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How Genetics, Age, and Hormones Influence Fat Distribution

Several factors determine where and how your body stores fat. According to a 2021 study (Ref), genetics influence tendencies toward fat storage in the abdomen or hips.

Aging introduces its own challenges. With age, metabolism slows (Ref), muscle mass declines, and hormonal shifts amplify belly fat accumulation.

Declining estrogen in women post-menopause and lower testosterone levels in men can redirect fat storage to the abdominal area, complicating efforts to lose abdominal fat.

Hormones like insulin and cortisol also play a role (Ref). Elevated insulin sensitivity can prompt the body to store more belly fat (Ref), especially when combined with high-carb diets or stress. Stress triggers cortisol, the ‘belly fat burner’ hormone, often leading to unhealthy fat retention.

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Why Is Belly Fat Harmful?

Cardiovascular Diseases

Visceral fat is biologically active, producing inflammatory compounds and free fatty acids that flow directly to the liver. This process disrupts lipid metabolism, leading to higher "bad" LDL cholesterol and lower "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

A 2023 study indicates that visceral fat significantly raises the likelihood of heart disease (Ref), hypertension, and stroke.

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Type 2 Diabetes

One of the leading consequences of visceral fat is its direct link to insulin resistance. Excess fat impairs the body’s ability to process sugar, setting the stage for type 2 diabetes.

Losing visceral fat through exercise and a balanced diet is, in a 2009 study, cited as the most effective strategy for reversing insulin resistance and preventing diabetes (Ref).

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones regulate fat storage, and an accumulation of visceral fat can throw them off balance. Cortisol, the stress hormone, according to a 2018 study, spikes with visceral fat, contributing to a vicious cycle of weight gain around the belly (Ref).

Higher Inflammation Levels

Visceral fat produces cytokines, proteins that promote chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body (Ref). This inflammation not only increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes but also exacerbates other conditions such as arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Research shows a strong association between excess belly fat and cognitive decline (Ref). People with more visceral fat are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This link is attributed to inflammation and impaired blood flow caused by fat deposits.

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Effective Strategies to Lose Belly Fat

In this video, our valued client talks about her experience with Raspberry Ketone Drops, sharing insights on its role in supporting her health and weight management journey.

Best Lifestyle Changes to Burn Belly Fat Naturally

Moving more is one of the simplest and most effective ways to target belly fat. A 2021 study found that regular physical activities like brisk walking or aerobic exercises help optimize fat-burning processes and improve overall health (Ref).

Strength training is also essential to build muscle and boost metabolism, which works as an efficient belly fat burner. Incorporating movement into daily life, such as climbing stairs or even fidgeting, can add up over time.

Quality sleep is just as critical. Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night, as research shows sleep disruptions can lead to weight gain and increased belly fat. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and avoid screens before bed (Ref).

Diet and Nutrition

Focusing on nutrient-dense foods provides long-term benefits in belly fat loss. A Mediterranean diet rich in monounsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados, combined with lean proteins (e.g., fish and chicken), fresh vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, fosters sustainable fat reduction (Ref). Meanwhile, fiber-rich meals enhance satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Reducing sugar helps, too. Eliminating sugary drinks and packaged snacks while replacing cravings with fresh fruit works for those researching how to get rid of belly fat.

Suzanna Thoe, RD, says,

“Focus on nutrient-dense foods that let your body effectively burn fat,”. In my practice, I’ve found that including plenty of fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can lower body fat percentage. Even small changes, like switching from white bread to whole grain, can kickstart your progress. When it comes to belly fat, consistency with these choices matters more than perfection.

Exercise Strategies

Targeting overall fat loss through a combination of cardio and strength training is scientifically proven to reduce visceral fat (Ref).

While spot-reducing fat is a myth, developing strong core muscles through abdominal exercises can enhance body composition and improve posture. Routine workouts amplify calorie burning while protecting your metabolic rate.

Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being

Chronic stress, as we mentioned earlier, boosts cortisol levels, which directly contributes to belly fat. Techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or journaling to manage emotional stressors can lead to substantial improvements.

Creative hobbies or guided support for emotional eating can help you maintain balance and prevent stress-driven weight gain.