They contain trans fats and saturated fats, both of which break down slower than unsaturated fats and are more likely to be stored as visceral fat. Menopause is not the only time when hormones play an influential role in fat storage. Women diagnosed with the condition PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) may also be prone to increased intra-abdominal fat storage. Visceral belly fat is tricky to shift because there are so many factors influencing it. For example, where you gain fat will be influenced by your genes, your age and even your weight at birth, with smaller babies gaining more belly fat later in life.
Hair Loss and Thinning
Research published in the European Journal women and alcohol of Preventive Cardiology in 2020 linked added sugar directly with visceral fat volume. When you eat a lot of processed sugar, quite a lot gets stored as fat. Sugar sneaks into many foods where you don’t expect it, even in things that don’t taste sweet like potato chips. Only the fructose group significantly increased their visceral belly fat.
Are there any quick fixes to get rid of alcohol belly?
Researchers have identified a host of chemicals that link visceral fat to a surprisingly wide variety of diseases. Losing a beer belly isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about gradual lifestyle changes that stick long term. Set realistic goals instead of expecting overnight miracles because frustration can kill motivation fast.
- Eating more whole foods like fruits and vegetables will also help optimize metabolism while ensuring proper nutrition.
- In summary, the public discussion around wine has made it seem more harmless than it really is.
How Does Alcohol Affect Weight Loss?
Yes, excessive alcohol consumption does contribute to abdominal fat. This is because the body uses alcohol as an energy source, which results in calories being stored as fat rather than being used for other bodily functions. Alcohol also interferes with hormones that regulate metabolism and hunger, leading to an increased appetite and higher calorie intake.
A Sample Weekly Workout Plan for Belly Fat Loss
Ria Health can help you achieve moderation again through a combination of counseling, medication to reduce cravings, and handy digital tools. Best of all, the whole thing can be done privately through your smartphone. Many of the benefits attributed to red wine have to do with a specific drug addiction polyphenol called resveratrol. A 2015 study suggested resveratrol may help convert one kind of fat into another type which is easier to burn off.
Alcohol Belly: Causes, Risks, and How to Reduce It
Limiting high-sodium foods and drinks, which exacerbate water retention, is another effective strategy. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) significantly increases the risk of developing various liver diseases in women. These conditions range from fatty liver (steatosis), where fat accumulates in the liver cells, to alcoholic hepatitis, characterized by liver inflammation and damage. Cirrhosis, a severe scarring of the liver, is another common and life-threatening consequence of long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Women are particularly vulnerable to these liver issues, often developing them at lower alcohol consumption levels and faster rates compared to men.
By recognizing this hormonal connection and implementing targeted strategies—such as moderating intake, pairing alcohol with protein, and managing stress—you can counteract its effects. While complete abstinence isn’t necessary for everyone, awareness and moderation are essential for maintaining hormonal balance and preventing the stubborn accumulation of abdominal fat. When women metabolize alcohol, their bodies prioritize burning alcohol-derived acetate over fats. This shift reduces fat burning and leads to more fat being stored, especially in the belly area, increasing the risk of abdominal fat accumulation over time. Most people probably don’t think it is possible to gain weight just by drinking alcoholic beverages, but it is possible.
This is the stubborn fat that accumulates around the abdomen due to frequent and heavy drinking. While both men and women can experience this, women tend to have a harder time getting rid of alcohol belly due to physiological differences. However, with the right approach, it is possible for women to reclaim their flat tummy and improve their overall health. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to get rid of alcohol belly in women.