As we age, many people start to accumulate fat in their bodies. However, fat does not accumulate equally in the bodies of women and men. Most of the fat in men’s bodies accumulates in the stomach. That is, men get a belly easily. On the other hand, women do not accumulate as much fat in the lower part of their bodies as they do in the stomach. But why is this so? And what other health issues are associated with the difference in the type of fat accumulation?
The simple calculation is that if you do not burn as many calories as you consume through food every day through physical exertion, your body will accumulate fat. This fat will accumulate in different parts of the body. However, the hormones in the bodies of women and men are different. The tendency to accumulate fat will be more or less, and if fat accumulates, in which part of the body it will accumulate, these issues are directly related to hormones. This is what Dr. Tasnova Mahin, Associate Consultant of the Department of Medicine at Square Hospital Limited, said .
Women’s hormones
Women’s bodies contain the hormone estrogen. This hormone plays a role in the accumulation of fat in women’s bodies. Therefore, women accumulate more fat than men. That is, women have a higher tendency to gain weight than men. Estrogen also controls where fat in a woman’s body accumulates. Under the influence of this hormone, most of the body fat accumulates in women’s thighs and buttocks. Apart from this, women also accumulate fat in their lower abdomen. If the fat accumulated in the lower part of the body is within a certain limit, it plays a positive role in childbearing and breastfeeding. For example, the huge calories required for breastfeeding, the fat in these parts of the body is easily broken down and provides those calories. However, if a woman’s body has too much fat, some fat also accumulates in the abdomen. Again, estrogen levels naturally decrease after menopause. Then fat accumulates in the abdomen instead of the lower part of the body.
Male hormones
Men have testosterone hormone in their bodies. This hormone helps in building muscles. Therefore, due to its effect, the tendency of fat accumulation in the body decreases. But if you do not control your diet or do not do physical labor, fat is created and accumulates. However, since there is no effect of estrogen like in women’s bodies, this fat does not accumulate in the lower part of the body, it accumulates in the stomach, that is, the belly is formed. Reducing the belly is quite difficult. Because, belly fat does not break down easily. Among all regions of the world, men in South and Southeast Asia have the highest tendency of fat accumulation in the stomach.
Why is the stomach bad?
A belly is not only unsightly, but also very bad for your health. Whether you are a man or a woman, having a belly means that you are at a higher risk of serious problems like diabetes and heart disease. Apart from that, having a belly also increases the tendency of fat in the blood. The risk of high blood pressure and stroke also increases. Fat can also accumulate in the liver.
To reduce fat
There is no alternative to a healthy lifestyle to reduce fat. If you can lose weight, your belly will shrink. There is no magic method to reduce belly fat suddenly. Lose weight slowly, in a healthy way. You may also need to practice some special exercises to reduce belly fat. Cycling is a great exercise to reduce belly fat.
