You’ve got that belly fat that you just can’t seem to get rid of. You don’t feel the confidence you used to feel in your swimsuit. However, getting rid of belly fat is critical not just for your looks, but for your health as well.
When you have too much abdominal fat, or visceral fat- that is the type that settles around your organs and causes your stomach to puff out into a beer gut indicates potential for insulin resistance, heart disease, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
Is Belly Fat Genetic?
If you’ve tried every diet and workout known to man and you still can’t get rid of your pooch, it could be hormones, age, and just plain genetics. So, the answer to the question, “is belly fat genetic?” is yes…and no.
Here are a few things you can try to help get rid of that belly once and for all.
Cut back on sugar/saturated fats
When it comes to burning fat, you must first stop consuming so much sugar and saturated fats- these are bad for you. The interesting thing is how they work with your genes to cause you to gain weight. Foods that are high in saturated fats cause weight gain even though you may be consuming the same number of calories. Researchers have indicated that the wrong balance of foods is what turns our fat genes one.
Don’t take vitamins and supplements
According to the research, increased vitamin B levels have been linked with a higher occurrence of diabetes and obesity. Researchers have indicated that fortified infant formula could potentially be a trigger for fat genes. If you feel like you need to take a daily multivitamin, there’s probably nothing really wrong with that- but the mega-dosing that people are doing these days will end up harming you more than helping you. A healthier way to burn belly fat is to build your diet with foods that are a balance of your nutritional needs, and also shut off your fat-storage mechanism.
Be wary of canned foods
The primary concern when it comes to canned foods is a compound known as bisphenol-A, often referred to as BPA. It is used as a softener for plastic, so it’s found in many plastic containers and often found in the thin plastic liners of food cans. Research indicates that it could have an epigenetic effect on humans.
This compound can leak into the foods that are fatty and/or acidic, such as baby formula, tomatoes, and tuna. Most manufacturers do still use BPA- but many are switching to BPA-free packages, which you can find at most retailers.
Go out for a walk in the morning
This may sound crazy- but it’s true. Research indicates that being directly exposed to the sunlight between the hours of 8 AM and 12 PM decreases your risk of gaining weight, regardless of how active or inactive you are, how many calories you consume, or your age. It’s possible that being exposed to the morning light helps to synchronize your metabolism, undercutting your fat genes.
Reduce antibiotic use
The good bacteria in our guts plays a significant role in making sure that our fat genes stay in check because it chomps on the fiber we consume, and create SCFAs, or short-chain fatty acids, which help get our genetic likelihood for developing diabetes and gaining weight under control.
So, when we got to the doctor and end up taking antibiotics every time we have the least little sniffle, it causes our good gut bacteria to develop disorder and undermines their ability to function as they should- which means we gain weight.
Conclusion
You’re tired of looking in the mirror and seeing that unattractive belly fat. Your friends and family have begun to notice and have been making comments. You have learned about all the health conditions that come along with obesity and you’re ready to get rid of it once and for all.
You try everything and start to wonder, ‘is belly fat genetic?’ The answer is that yes, in part it is due to genetics. After all, genetics make up who you are- and they do increase your likelihood of storing belly fat. However, there are some things you can do in your diet and lifestyle to counteract the effect of genetics on your waistline. Consider implementing some of the above habits into your life immediately.