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The Link Between Stress and Belly Fat

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Updated:  
2016-03-26 13:11:34
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From The Book:  
Gut Health For Dummies
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One of the amazing things about fasting is its ability to burn fat. For people who have had terrible weight-loss resistance, finally seeing the needle move on the scale is really liberating. Stress, however, interferes with some of the most stubborn fat — belly fat.

Belly fat is resistant fat, sometimes coined the middle-aged spread. It's the dangerous midsection fat that flops over your jeans. If you want to do away with stubborn belly fat, you have to address the stressors in your life.

Maintaining the right attitude, the food you choose, and the relationships you chose to be in are important. You also need to eliminate environmental factors, such as toxins and exercise more to reduce stress levels.

Belly fat isn't the cause of all diseases. Your body adapts to the stressors that cause the belly fat. So, in the end, your stressors are actually causing the diseases. Your belly fat is only a symptom.

As your stress rises, so do your stress hormones, such as cortisol. When your stress hormones rise and your feel-good hormone (serotonin) decreases, it's disastrous. The result of this combination includes the following symptoms:

  • Depression

  • Drop in growth hormone

  • Exhaustion

  • Insomnia

  • Insulin problems

  • Weight gain

One of the best actions you can take to get rid of dangerous, unattractive belly fat is to reduce your stress. Create an environment that allows your body to express its fullest potential. Find ways to reduce your stress and you'll have more success with your fasting.

About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is the coauthor of the health and lifestyle books Living Paleo For Dummies and Boosting Your Immunity For Dummies. She also created the successful kids' health and wellness program Superkids Wellness and the Paleo door-to-door home delivery food service Living Paleo Foods.