{"id":19599,"date":"2021-03-15T20:04:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T20:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=19599"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"stress-belly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/","title":{"rendered":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Get_your_personalized\" >Get your personalized<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#What_Is_A_Stress_Belly\" >What Is A Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Why_Does_Stress_Cause_Belly_Fat_The_Role_Cortisol_Plays\" >Why Does Stress Cause Belly Fat? The Role Cortisol Plays<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#The_Importance_Of_Dealing_With_Stress\" >The Importance Of Dealing With Stress<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_To_Tell_If_Belly_Fat_Is_From_Stress\" >How To Tell If Belly Fat Is From Stress?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_To_Get_Rid_Of_Stress_Belly_Fat\" >How To Get Rid Of Stress Belly Fat?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Reduce_Stress\" >Reduce Stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Exercise_Exercise_Exercise\" >Exercise, Exercise, Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Eat_More_Fiber-Rich_Foods\" >Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Watch_What_You_Eat\" >Watch What You Eat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Lower_The_Intensity_Of_Your_Workouts\" >Lower The Intensity Of Your Workouts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Avoid_Alcohol_As_Much_As_Possible\" >Avoid Alcohol As Much As Possible<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Take_Daily_Walks\" >Take Daily Walks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Ensure_You_Get_Good_Quality_Sleep_Each_Night\" >Ensure You Get Good Quality Sleep Each Night<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Consume_Nutrient-Dense_Foods\" >Consume Nutrient-Dense Foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Avoid_Smoking\" >Avoid Smoking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Take_Regular_Hot_Baths\" >Take Regular, Hot Baths<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Eat_More_Protein\" >Eat More Protein<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Build_More_Muscle\" >Build More Muscle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Get_More_Sunshine\" >Get More Sunshine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_Long_Does_It_Take_To_Work_Off_Stress_Belly\" >How Long Does It Take To Work Off Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_To_Prevent_Stress_Belly\" >How To Prevent Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#What_Is_A_Stress_Belly-2\" >What Is A Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#What_Causes_A_Stress_Belly\" >What Causes A Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_Does_Cortisol_Cause_A_Stress_Belly\" >How Does Cortisol Cause A Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_Can_I_Get_Rid_Of_Stress_Belly_Fat\" >How Can I Get Rid Of Stress Belly Fat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Is_There_Any_Way_To_Prevent_The_Formation_Of_A_Stress_Belly\" >Is There Any Way To Prevent The Formation Of A Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#How_Many_Types_Of_Belly_Fat_Are_There\" >How Many Types Of Belly Fat Are There?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#DISCLAIMER\" >DISCLAIMER:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#SOURCES\" >SOURCES:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you been all so dedicated to your workout regimen, eating healthy, maintaining a calorie deficit, yet still can&#8217;t seem to lose your belly fat? Do you often feel overwhelmed, tired, and extremely hungry throughout the day? Then you might have a stress belly, the extra weight found around the abdominal area that is oh so difficult to get rid of.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can stress make my belly bigger? It definitely can. But how is this possible? And how can one get rid of the unwanted fat around the midsection area?<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <section class=\"ad-single-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"ad-single-text ad-title-wrapper\">\n            <h3 class=\"ad-single-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_your_personalized\"><\/span>Get your personalized<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n            <span class=\"ad-single-sub-title color-green\">\n                <svg class=\"icon-sparkle\" width=\"36\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 21\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                          d=\"M34.6837 0.515943C34.8247 0.835947 34.9421 1.16291 34.9891 1.48987C35.1417 2.64466 35.3179 6.51949 35.2592 7.29863C35.2592 7.53515 35.1887 7.7995 35.0243 8.01516C34.7307 8.39777 33.9791 8.4256 33.5681 8.07081C33.4154 7.94559 33.3215 7.77863 33.2745 7.61863C33.1453 7.15254 33.0396 6.68645 32.9809 6.22035C32.8165 4.81512 32.6638 3.40293 32.5581 1.9977C32.5229 1.53161 32.6051 1.05856 32.6991 0.592466C32.7695 0.244637 33.251 -0.0197144 33.6973 0.00115537C34.2257 0.0289818 34.5546 0.230723 34.6837 0.515943ZM18.6184 9.78225C18.5734 9.67557 18.5344 9.57528 18.4971 9.47956C18.4178 9.27568 18.3465 9.09257 18.2426 8.91267C16.7159 6.24133 14.2615 3.86217 11.4665 1.60128C11.1377 1.33693 10.7267 1.08649 10.2687 0.919531C10.0221 0.829095 9.52885 0.843009 9.247 0.933445C9.03562 1.00301 8.88295 1.27432 8.92992 1.42736C9.01213 1.71954 9.18828 2.01868 9.4349 2.28303C11.0555 4.02913 12.6879 5.76829 14.3437 7.50048C14.8308 8.0068 15.3395 8.50887 15.8473 9.01L15.8473 9.01001C15.9883 9.14921 16.1293 9.28833 16.2697 9.42746C16.4811 9.64311 16.7159 9.85181 16.9626 10.0466C17.2327 10.2692 17.6437 10.4014 18.0547 10.2553C18.0691 10.2501 18.0836 10.245 18.0981 10.2399C18.1097 10.2358 18.1213 10.2318 18.1329 10.2278C18.3785 10.1424 18.6184 10.0589 18.6184 9.78225ZM1.98942 20.1407C2.17783 20.1221 2.37674 20.105 2.58175 20.0875C2.99012 20.0525 3.42272 20.0154 3.84492 19.9598C6.34632 19.6259 8.84771 19.292 11.3374 18.9442C11.8776 18.8676 12.406 18.7355 12.8875 18.5824C13.5334 18.3807 13.7566 18.0954 13.6509 17.7824C13.5452 17.4694 13.1224 17.2746 12.3826 17.2676C11.8776 17.2607 11.3374 17.2676 10.8559 17.3372C7.69683 17.8102 4.5378 18.2972 1.3905 18.7911C1.03819 18.8468 0.674137 18.9442 0.404034 19.0833C-0.2771 19.4242 -0.065712 19.9598 0.803314 20.092C1.01858 20.1228 1.25262 20.1258 1.51135 20.1291C1.66195 20.131 1.82092 20.133 1.98942 20.1407Z\"\n                          fill=\"#17B991\"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n               meal plan!\n            <\/span>\n        <\/div>\n    \n        <div class=\"ad-single-text ad-desc-wrapper\">\n            <p class=\"ad-single-desc\">What's your main health goal?<\/p>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\">Lose weight<\/a>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\">Feel great<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <img class=\"ad-single-img\" alt=\"health-food\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"395\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/themes\/gridlove-child\/assets\/img\/ad\/health-food.webp\">\n    <\/section>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_A_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>What Is A Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stress belly is an extra weight that accumulates around the abdominal area due to prolonged or chronic stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While belly fat may be caused by many things, including genetics, a stress belly is caused by the actions of a hormone called cortisol, which you will learn about below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\">5 Types Of Bellies And How To Get Rid Of Them<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Stress_Cause_Belly_Fat_The_Role_Cortisol_Plays\"><\/span><b>Why Does Stress Cause Belly Fat? The Role Cortisol Plays<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/foods-that-lower-cortisol\/\">cortisol<\/a> stress belly fat association is way deeper than you may expect. In fact, this hormone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, could be responsible for the accumulation of belly fat due to stress. But how is this possible?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol, as aforementioned, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. The hormone helps to control metabolism and blood sugar levels in the body. Cortisol also gives us motivation and helps us to stay focused and elevated on a certain situation or threat. It is for this reason that levels of cortisol are elevated in the morning and why the hormone is released in plenty during exercising and periods of acute stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Together with other hormones in the body, cortisol activates the fight or flight response. In a crisis, for example, the stress response reduces unnecessary bodily functions so that you can focus on the threat. Once the threat passes, things go back to normal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, during periods of prolonged stress, the stress hormone levels are elevated, together with blood sugar and blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During periods of stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol. This, in turn, fills the body with glucose to give our muscles enough immediate energy to deal with the threat. A constant elevated level of cortisol can also lead to increased blood glucose levels. At this point, insulin is also released, hereby preventing the conversion of glucose into fat, making it easily accessible to the muscles that require energy to deal with the threat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32221 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4458-1024x576.png\" alt=\"stress belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4458.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4458-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4458.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4458.png 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_Of_Dealing_With_Stress\"><\/span><strong>The Importance Of Dealing With Stress<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the threat or stress is dealt with, hormone balance is restored (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11020091\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). But this is not always the case, because, as humans, we go through so many stressing situations and come across many stress-factors that lead to prolonged periods of stress. These periods of prolonged stress then lead to a stress belly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how? An imbalance of cortisol in the body causes excess belly fat because:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol can actually release fat from storage and send it directly to your belly area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stress hormone may also affect appetite and cravings. One study even revealed that there is an association between elevated cortisol levels and high-calorie intake in women &#8211; hence leading to stress belly fat in women (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11070333\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The high blood sugar levels caused by insulin\u2019s inhibiting effects (subsequently caused by excessive cortisol) can starve the cells of energy. The body then responds to this situation by sending hunger signals to the brain. This then leads to overeating\/binge-eating. Any unexpended glucose is then stored as fat in the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study by scientists at the University College London revealed that people with higher levels of cortisol had larger waist measurements and higher BMIs than those with low cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11020091\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the same vein, another study proved that high cortisol levels are associated with an increased risk of obesity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/news\/2017\/feb\/long-term-stress-linked-higher-levels-obesity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Further research has also proven the fact that cortisol is indeed associated with abdominal obesity. However, this does not mean that every obese person struggles with higher levels of cortisol (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.annfammed.org\/content\/7\/4\/357.full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s13679-018-0306-y\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32180 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4475-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Fasting\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4475.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4475-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4475.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4475.png 1344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Tell_If_Belly_Fat_Is_From_Stress\"><\/span><b>How To Tell If Belly Fat Is From Stress?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the accumulation of belly fat may be multifactorial, like genetics, a poor diet, or a lack of exercise, there are some signs that indicate that what you could be dealing with is stress causing belly fat. These signs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling overwhelmed by nearly everything.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling extremely hungry right after working out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having an increased appetite throughout the day, with the need to snack every now and then.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BetterMe app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that\u2019ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\">Get your life moving in the right direction<\/a> with BetterMe!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Get_Rid_Of_Stress_Belly_Fat\"><\/span><b>How To Get Rid Of Stress Belly Fat?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some tips that will come in handy when dealing with that stubborn stress belly:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduce_Stress\"><\/span><b>Reduce Stress<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/weight-loss-tips-for-beginners\/\">stress<\/a> is the main cause of this type of belly, the number one thing you should do is try to avoid stress as much as possible. You may also opt to learn how to manage stress better, such as through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/1809754\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meditating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, yoga, performing breathing exercises, and more (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/1809754\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32106 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466-1024x576.png\" alt=\"fitness app\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-4466.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exercise_Exercise_Exercise\"><\/span><b>Exercise, Exercise, Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like it is with any type of fat in the body, to get rid of stress belly fat, you need to work out and maintain a calorie deficit. Exercising will not only help you lose the extra fat, but it will also boost your mood, which is a big deal as this type of fat is caused by a negative mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aim to perform at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week, and on the other days, focus on strength training, which will help convert the fat into muscles.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_More_Fiber-Rich_Foods\"><\/span><b>Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiber is known for its role in aiding digestion. This makes it a welcome addition to the diet of anyone who is stressed. This is because stressed people often suffer digestion problems such as constipation or indigestion. The addition of fiber-rich foods such as beans, chia seeds, and bran cereal will help to deal with these issues.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/high-fiber-diet\/\">High Fiber Diet: What To Eat To Ensure A Smooth-Running Digestion?<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Watch_What_You_Eat\"><\/span><b>Watch What You Eat<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and whole grains. Eat foods rich in vitamin B since it is known for its potential property to help relieve stress. Some good sources of vitamin B include chicken, dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, bananas, avocados, and fish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, on the issue of your diet, you need to avoid foods with added fructose, trans fats, and high carb high-calorie foods that are low in nutrients (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21905094\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-31920 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/10-1024x576.png\" alt=\"stress belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/10.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/10-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/10.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/10.png 1344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_The_Intensity_Of_Your_Workouts\"><\/span><b>Lower The Intensity Of Your Workouts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is because <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/hiit-workouts-for-men\/\">high-intensity workouts<\/a> might actually elevate the levels of cortisol in the body and cause further stress rather than reducing it.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid_Alcohol_As_Much_As_Possible\"><\/span><b>Avoid Alcohol As Much As Possible<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only is alcohol very high in calories, but also, when you consume alcohol, your body stops <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/foods-that-burn-calories\/\">turning fat into energy<\/a> and instead, begins to metabolize the alcohol (naturally, the body burns alcohol before actually burning other sources of energy). This then means that you end up using alcohol for energy rather than the fat stored in your body.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Daily_Walks\"><\/span><b>Take Daily Walks<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Going on a walk will help you to stay in shape, and will also help alleviate stress. The walk will also help you to clear your head by boosting the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you walk at least 10,000 steps each day to be considered active.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30415 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955-1024x576.png\" alt=\"stress belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Frame-3955.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ensure_You_Get_Good_Quality_Sleep_Each_Night\"><\/span><b>Ensure You Get Good Quality Sleep Each Night<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you get seven to nine hours of good quality sleep each night to avoid increasing the levels of cortisol in your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one study on adults between the age of eighteen and sixty-five, it was discovered that those adults who slept for less than six hours each night and those who slept for more than nine hours each night had more visceral fat than the control group (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/oby.20701\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study produced the same results, but with a test group of adults 40 years and younger (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2831422\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from getting the required amount of sleep each night, it is also important that you set up a sleep schedule and follow a consistent sleep routine every night.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consume_Nutrient-Dense_Foods\"><\/span><b>Consume Nutrient-Dense Foods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/snacks-with-no-carbs\/\">Instead of consuming high-carb<\/a>, low-nutrient foods, opt for green vegetables, fruits, beans, lean proteins, black tea, black coffee, green tea, and healthy fats such as avocado, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-coconut-oil-break-a-fast\/\">coconut<\/a>, and olive oils.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid_Smoking\"><\/span><b>Avoid Smoking<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can be linked to an increased risk of abdominal obesity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0045815\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30335 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Frame-3584-1024x576.png\" alt=\"stress belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Frame-3584.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Frame-3584-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Frame-3584.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Frame-3584.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Regular_Hot_Baths\"><\/span><b>Take Regular, Hot Baths<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hot bath will help to lower the levels of cortisol in the body. Furthermore, as the body temperature rises when taking a bath, the levels of endorphins in the brain rise as well, hereby boosting your mood instantly.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_More_Protein\"><\/span><b>Eat More Protein<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/are-protein-shakes-good-for-weight-loss\/\">Protein<\/a> has a more filling effect than other foods, this means that when you consume enough protein, you will actually be working towards eliminating food cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3649463\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe will keep you laser-focused on your weight loss journey! Nutrient-packed meal plans, fat-blasting workouts, galvanizing challenges and much more. <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\">Try using the app and see<\/a> for yourself!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30226 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"lose weight\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10-1636x920.jpg 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-10.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Build_More_Muscle\"><\/span><b>Build More Muscle<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one study from the University of Harvard, men who did twenty minutes of strength training each day had less age-related abdominal fat than those who spent the same amount of time (twenty minutes each day) on doing cardio (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.harvard.edu\/gazette\/story\/2014\/12\/using-weights-to-target-belly-fat\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To deal with stress belly fat, try to do more compound exercises like squats, pullups, and kettlebell swings, which work the entire body as a whole.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_More_Sunshine\"><\/span><b>Get More Sunshine<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2016 review revealed that exposing animals to sunlight could lead to a decline in weight gain and metabolic dysfunction as well. More research still needs to be done to find out if the same effect can be witnessed in human beings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_It_Take_To_Work_Off_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>How Long Does It Take To Work Off Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many factors that affect how quickly one can burn belly fat. Among these factors are age, gender, genetics, and daily activity. As such, the amount of time taken to burn belly fat differs from person to person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, it is recommended that while working to get rid of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wine-and-belly-fat\/\">belly fat<\/a>, aim to lose one to two pounds of fat a week, as this is the more sustainable approach, rather than losing so much within a short amount of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Prevent_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>How To Prevent Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevention is always better than cure, right? There are a few things that you could do to ensure that you do not develop a stress belly in the first place. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding ways to cope with stress in a healthy manner<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming a balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercising regularly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30183 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"stress belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7-1636x920.jpg 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3-7.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_A_Stress_Belly-2\"><\/span><b>What Is A Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stress belly is an extra weight that accumulates around the abdominal area due to prolonged or chronic stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_A_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>What Causes A Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stress belly could be impacted by the actions of two hormones: cortisol in conjunction with insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Cortisol_Cause_A_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>How Does Cortisol Cause A Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An imbalance of cortisol levels in the body causes excess belly fat because:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol can release fat from storage and send it directly to your belly area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol may also affect appetite and cravings. One study even revealed that there is an association between elevated cortisol levels and high calorie intake in women &#8211; hence leading to stress belly fat in women.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive cortisol leads to the release of more insulin, which inhibits the conversion of glucose to fat. This starves the cells of energy, and the body responds to this by sending hunger signals to the brain. This then leads to overeating\/binge-eating. Any unused glucose is then stored as fat in the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_I_Get_Rid_Of_Stress_Belly_Fat\"><\/span><b>How Can I Get Rid Of Stress Belly Fat?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get rid of stress fat, do the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume nutrient-dense foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go on a walk daily, and make at least 10,000 steps each day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take regular hot baths to lower cortisol levels and increase the levels of endorphins in the brain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build more muscle by participating in more weight and resistance training than cardio<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat more protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get more sunlight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume more fiber-rich foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a good night\u2019s sleep, and maintain a consistent sleep routine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimize alcohol intake<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise everyday<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce stress and learn how to healthily manage stress<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-29820 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742-1024x576.png\" alt=\"how often should i eat\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Frame-3742.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_Any_Way_To_Prevent_The_Formation_Of_A_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><b>Is There Any Way To Prevent The Formation Of A Stress Belly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For prevention, try to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Put healthier coping mechanisms in place<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid alcohol or drinking in moderation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume a balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise regularly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Types_Of_Belly_Fat_Are_There\"><\/span><b>How Many Types Of Belly Fat Are There?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two types of belly fat:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subcutaneous fat &#8211; this one lies just under the skin, and it produces healthy hormones such as leptin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visceral fat\/intra-abdominal fat &#8211; This type of belly fat is found deeper, around internal organs such as the liver, intestines, and also underneath the abdominal wall. Visceral fat contains more cytokines than subcutaneous fat (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2785020\/\">4<\/a>). Cytokines may increase the risk for chronic health problems in an individual. Furthermore, too much visceral fat may increase a person\u2019s risk of asthma, cancer, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and colorectal cancer as well (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2785020\/\">4<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stress belly can be just that, stressful. This is especially true when you really don\u2019t know what is causing it and how to get rid of it for good. Luckily, there are many remedies and ways to prevent the formation of this type of belly fat in the first place. As a rule of thumb, whenever you are trying to lose weight\/fat in whatever part of the body &#8211; one technique you can try is improving your eating habits and exercising more. <\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stress_Belly\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DISCLAIMER\"><\/span><b>DISCLAIMER:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SOURCES\"><\/span>SOURCES:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3649463\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brain Responses to High-Protein Diets <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2012, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/oby.20701\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in sleep duration and visceral fat accumulation over 6 years in adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2014, onlinelibrary.wiley.com)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0045815\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cigarette Smoking Increases Abdominal and Visceral Obesity but Not Overall Fatness: An Observational Study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2012, journals.plos.org)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2785020\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2007, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.annfammed.org\/content\/7\/4\/357.full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defining Comorbidity: Implications for Understanding Health and Health Services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2009, annfammed.org)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/weight-management\/adult-overweight-obesity\/factors-affecting-weight-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors Affecting Weight &amp; Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2018, niddk.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/323309\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you lose belly fat?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2020, medicalnewstoday.com)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/news\/2017\/feb\/long-term-stress-linked-higher-levels-obesity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term stress linked to higher levels of obesity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2017, ucl.ac.uk)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthyweight\/losing_weight\/index.html#:~:text=But%20people%20who%20lose%20weight,daily%20eating%20and%20exercise%20habits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losing Weight <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2020, cdc.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/1809754\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2014, jamanetwork.com)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2831422\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep Duration and Five-Year Abdominal Fat Accumulation in a Minority Cohort:The IRAS Family Study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2010, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11020091\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2000, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s13679-018-0306-y\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals? <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2018, link.springer.com)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10023725\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress-induced cortisol, mood, and fat distribution in men <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(1999, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11070333\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress may add bite to appetite in women: a laboratory study of stress-induced cortisol and eating behavior <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2001, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/13\/10\/999\/htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sun Exposure and Its Effects on Human Health: Mechanisms through Which Sun Exposure Could Reduce the Risk of Developing Obesity and Cardiometabolic Dysfunction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2016, mdpi.com)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21905094\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effect of 90 day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.harvard.edu\/gazette\/story\/2014\/12\/using-weights-to-target-belly-fat\/\">Using weights to target belly fat<\/a> (2014, news.harvard.edu)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you been all so dedicated to your workout regimen, eating healthy, maintaining a calorie deficit, yet still can&#8217;t seem to lose your belly fat? Do you often feel overwhelmed, tired, and extremely hungry throughout the day? Then you might have a stress belly, the extra weight found around the abdominal area that is oh [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"coauthors":[108],"class_list":["post-19599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-weight-loss"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"O. Johnson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"O. Johnson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f17673def6e76d2649ffa32b13f712e3\"},\"headline\":\"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\"},\"wordCount\":2682,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Weight Loss\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Have you been all so dedicated to your workout regimen, eating healthy, maintaining a calorie deficit, yet still can't seem to lose your belly fat? Do you often feel overwhelmed, tired, and extremely hungry throughout the day? Then you might have a stress belly, the extra weight found around the abdominal area that is oh so difficult to get rid of.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Can stress make my belly bigger? It definitely can. But how is this possible? And how can one get rid of the unwanted fat around the midsection area?<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is A Stress Belly?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">A stress belly is an extra weight that accumulates around the abdominal area due to prolonged or chronic stress.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">While belly fat may be caused by many things, including genetics, a stress belly is caused by the actions of a hormone called cortisol, which you will learn about below.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<i><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\\\">5 Types Of Bellies And How To Get Rid Of Them<\/a><\/span><\/i>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Why Does Stress Cause Belly Fat? The Role Cortisol Plays<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/foods-that-lower-cortisol\/\\\">cortisol<\/a> stress belly fat association is way deeper than you may expect. In fact, this hormone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, could be responsible for the accumulation of belly fat due to stress. But how is this possible?<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Cortisol, as aforementioned, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. The hormone helps to control metabolism and blood sugar levels in the body. Cortisol also gives us motivation and helps us to stay focused and elevated on a certain situation or threat. It is for this reason that l ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\",\"name\":\"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":667,\"caption\":\"Shutterstock\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Weight Loss\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/weight-loss\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; Fitness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"alternateName\":\"Betterme Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/betterme\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236\",\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US\",\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f17673def6e76d2649ffa32b13f712e3\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/f8c457bbfb019eee5091c2120aabff05\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png\",\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"sameAs\":[\"#\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/bttrm-admin\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It - BetterMe","description":"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It","og_description":"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":667,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"O. Johnson","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"O. Johnson","Est. reading time":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f17673def6e76d2649ffa32b13f712e3"},"headline":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/"},"wordCount":2682,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg","articleSection":["Weight Loss"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you been all so dedicated to your workout regimen, eating healthy, maintaining a calorie deficit, yet still can't seem to lose your belly fat? Do you often feel overwhelmed, tired, and extremely hungry throughout the day? Then you might have a stress belly, the extra weight found around the abdominal area that is oh so difficult to get rid of.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can stress make my belly bigger? It definitely can. But how is this possible? And how can one get rid of the unwanted fat around the midsection area?<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is A Stress Belly?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stress belly is an extra weight that accumulates around the abdominal area due to prolonged or chronic stress.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While belly fat may be caused by many things, including genetics, a stress belly is caused by the actions of a hormone called cortisol, which you will learn about below.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\">5 Types Of Bellies And How To Get Rid Of Them<\/a><\/span><\/i>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Why Does Stress Cause Belly Fat? The Role Cortisol Plays<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/foods-that-lower-cortisol\/\">cortisol<\/a> stress belly fat association is way deeper than you may expect. In fact, this hormone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, could be responsible for the accumulation of belly fat due to stress. But how is this possible?<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol, as aforementioned, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. The hormone helps to control metabolism and blood sugar levels in the body. Cortisol also gives us motivation and helps us to stay focused and elevated on a certain situation or threat. It is for this reason that l ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/","name":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","description":"\u2605 A STRESS BELLY \u27a4 can be difficult to handle, especially if you do not know what is causing it. Here is a helpful guide on what a stress belly is, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1079745329.jpg","width":1000,"height":667,"caption":"Shutterstock"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stress-belly\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Weight Loss","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/weight-loss\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Stress Belly: Taking A Quick Dive Into The Science Behind It"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f17673def6e76d2649ffa32b13f712e3","name":"BetterMe","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/f8c457bbfb019eee5091c2120aabff05","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png","caption":"BetterMe"},"sameAs":["#"],"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/bttrm-admin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19599","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19599"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19599\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19599"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=19599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}