Stress Creates Belly Fat?

Many Mothers (and Fathers) complain of belly fat in the years after having children.

Below are some of the possible causes of a round belly:

• Fat accumulation due to poor diet and exercise 
• Tight musculature pulling your anatomical structure out of placement
• Weak musculature
• A diastasis rectus abdominus (read my blogs on "Diastasis Rectus" for more information)
• Disease 
• Stress 

Really- is stress one of the potential factors of belly fat? According to some health care providers the answer is "yes." There is a physiologic response to stress, one that is supported by an organ called the omentum.

"Omentum Definition: The omentum is a large fatty structure which literally hangs off the middle of your colon and drapes over the intestines inside the abdomen." -Steven Vasilev, M.D. from www.about.com

According to Dr. Oz, we have evolved to store fat in our bellies during times of stress with the help of the omentum. This fat allows our internal, vital organs quick access to energy. Supposedly stress hormones frequently trigger a need to eat and those same stress hormones cause fat to "stick" onto the vital organs within our abdomen. This tough, thick fat has a physiology of it's own and produces it's own proteins and hormones, which creates havoc in the body. Included in those negative side effects are an increase in LDL cholesterol, unhealthy triglyceride levels, high blood sugar, blood pressure, insulin resistance and widespread inflammation. All are instigators of many diseases -- including dementia, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

This is why it is so important to manage belly fat and strive for a Bella Belly (hence my business name)! Managing your health with stress management techniques, proper diet and exercise is essential to overall well-being. Read the blog below on techniques for managing stress. For more information sign-up for a "Get Your Belly Back" Assessment.