Why does fat get stored in this manner?
The location of fat storage is often due to genetics. Some women store excess body fat in their legs or hips while others store it in the abdominal area. Does your mother, grandmother, aunts or sisters have fat in this area? If so, it is likely that you will too. Other causes of abdominal fat can be due to stress (which causes an increase in cortisol levels), a change in hormones (as with menopause) or high insulin levels (found in medical conditions such as PCOS and type 2 diabetes).
Dangers of fat in the abdominal area
Women tend to carry their excess body fat in their hips, thighs, butts, legs and maybe arms, while men usually gather fat in the abdominal area. That being said, there are women who hold onto fat in the abdominal area. The most dangerous abdominal fat is the kind you can't see - the fat inside the abdominal cavity that surrounds your internal organs. Chances are that if you can see abdominal fat on the outside, you also have it on the inside surrounding your organs.. Here are some of the dangers associated with excess abdominal fat:
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Psychological distress (not a "medical" risk - but upsetting!)
Tips to minimize your muffin top
1. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise can help get rid of overall body fat, including fat in the abdominal area. I would recommend aerobic exercise such as biking, spinning, running, speed walking, elliptical machine, StairMaster, swimming, etc. at least 4 times a week for 45 minutes. In addition, try to walk as much as possible during the day.
2. Spot reducing doesn't work. While doing abdominal exercises can help to tighten muscles under your fat, it will not get rid of the fat.
3. Some studies, including one by Kathryn Schmitz of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, have shown that strength training may prevent you from building belly fat. Check out this link for more details on the study. http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/mar06/SHE.htm
4. Of course, you will also need to be careful with your diet. If you are consuming more calories than you burn off, you will continue to store body fat. I recommend food records to keep tabs on your caloric intake. Record everything that you eat and drink. I bet you will be surprised with what you see.
5. Eat a healthy diet that is low in refined sugars and processed grains. These foods can raise insulin levels which can contribute towards belly fat in some people. Focus on vegetables, lean protein, moderate amounts of heart healthy fats, fruits and whole grains.
Bottom line: Be diligent with your exercise, both cardio and weight training. Focus on consuming a healthy calorie controlled diet that is low in processed carbohydrates. And be patient - give yourself a few months. You should soon see that fat bulge over your jeans disappear (or at least shrink!).