The coveted flat, firm stomach can seem so difficult to attain, even with the strictest of diets and exercise regimens. Here’s a look into three surprising causes of stubborn belly fat and how liposuction can help to slim down your midsection.
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Stress Can Pack on Pounds
Living with a high level of stress presents a multitude of health issues, but you may be surprised to learn that it can contribute to your belly fat, too. When you experience stress, your body releases more of certain hormones, including cortisol. The science is complicated but the bottom line is that high levels of cortisol cause the body to not only hoard fat but move it to your abdomen.
People also tend to reach for high-fat, high-calorie foods when stressed, which is another way stress can lead to an expanding waistline.
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Fat and the Genetic Factor
Genetic disposition can absolutely play a role in how and where we store fat. If you’re apple-shaped, meaning you tend to put on weight around your midsection more than your hips or thighs, you may have a harder time losing belly fat than someone with a different body type.
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Alcohol Consumption and Fat
Could happy hour be the culprit for your stubborn belly fat? It’s definitely possible. Alcohol is high in calories, and the body stops burning all other fat until alcohol is processed and metabolized. This double-whammy means that habitual drinking will make it very difficult to get a flat belly.
If you’re frustrated by stubborn belly fat, liposuction may be a solution. Liposuction can fine-tune your figure by targeting and removing specific fat deposits and creating slimmer, smoother contours. Visit an experienced cosmetic surgeon to see if you’re a good candidate for body contouring with liposuction.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
