Nutritionist explains what leads to sudden belly enlargement and how to avoid it
How stress causes belly enlargement (photo: Freepik)
Hormonal changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, chronic stress, and imbalanced nutrition. Increased cortisol levels can lead to abdominal weight gain, according to Ukrainian nutritionist Natalia Samoylenko.
What is cortisol belly
Cortisol belly is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the abdominal area due to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
In women, cortisol belly tends to have a rounded shape due to fat accumulation in the upper abdomen and sides, while in men, it typically appears rectangular because fat is distributed evenly across the abdomen. Symptoms of cortisol belly include:
- Softness and laxity: Due to cortisol's impact on metabolism and fat distribution, the skin in the abdominal area loses its firmness.
- Changes in skin texture: Cortisol affects collagen and elastin levels, leading to stretch marks.
- Skin swelling: Elevated cortisol levels cause fluid retention in the body.
Excess fat deposits in a thick layer around internal organs create metabolic disorders, primarily caused by high cortisol and high stress levels.
What to do
First, it's important to visit a laboratory to check your cortisol levels, as well as levels of vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, ACTH, and sex hormones.
Measure your waist circumference with a tape measure. If possible, undergo a bioimpedance analysis. This test assesses the quality of your body, including the percentage of fat and muscle tissue and where it is accumulated.
Next, focus on improving your diet. Emphasize anti-stress nutrition to better manage stress.
Meditation is also highly recommended—it’s a powerful tool for managing health and stress. Aim to practice it every evening or morning.
Physical activity and exercise are crucial for managing stress. Regular exercise helps mitigate the negative effects of stress hormones. Additionally, walking is a simple and cost-effective way to improve overall health.
Furthermore, establish a healthy sleep routine by going to bed by 11:00 PM or maintaining a consistent bedtime. Ensure you get 6-8 hours of quality sleep.
If you find it difficult to manage stress on your own, consider consulting a specialist.
Previously, the nutritionist identified signs of elevated cortisol levels and explained why it is important.
Also, read about the three hormones that support healthy body weight.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
