Why You Can’t Seem to Lose Belly Fat (And What Actually Works)
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Click here for more information about the #1 therapy that changed everything for me.
Belly fat is one of the most frustrating things to deal with, especially as a woman. You eat healthy (most of the time), you try to stay active, and yet it still hangs on for dear life. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The truth is, belly fat isn’t just about your weight, it’s about hormones, stress, and the way your body processes food. And if you’ve been struggling to lose it, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough, it’s because you haven’t been given the right tools.
In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly what belly fat is, why it’s so stubborn (especially for women approaching menopause), and simple, effective strategies to finally get rid of it, without crash diets or endless hours at the gym.
Let’s get into it.
Why Is Belly Fat So Stubborn?
Belly fat is definitely NOT flattering, and while it may appear as just a sign of poor eating habits or not enough movement, it’s actually a signal that something else might be going on inside us.
Here are some key reasons why you might struggle with belly fat:
1. Blood Sugar Imbalance: Think of blood sugar as the fuel your body uses to function. If your blood sugar levels go up and down like a roller coaster—often due to sugary foods, processed snacks, and stress—your body might store more fat, especially around your belly. This can lead to pre-diabetes, a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
2. Poor Sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, your body experiences stress, leading to an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone). High cortisol levels can cause your body to store more fat, particularly around your tummy. Plus, being tired often makes you crave sugary or fatty foods, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
3. Poor Eating Habits: Eating a lot of processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain. These types of foods don’t give you the nutrients your body needs and can cause spikes in your blood sugar. This happens when you haven’t met your protein needs first. A lack of protein will lead you to crave sweets and processed foods. Instead, try to choose whole, nutritious foods that make you feel energized.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle: If you’re sitting most of the day, your body doesn’t get the chance to burn off calories and fat. This is especially true for belly fat, which loves to stick around when we’re not moving much. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine—like walking, dancing, or even gardening—can help your body shed that extra weight. If your job requires you to sit, try to walk around every 30 minutes or so. This will help you stay active.
5. Hormonal Imbalance: As women age, hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can lead to weight gain, particularly around the belly. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a big role in fat storage, so fluctuations can have an impact.
The goal isn’t to restrict you, it’s to introduce you to foods that nourish your body and bring it back into balance, all while keeping your taste buds happy.
Belly Fat and Health Risks
Is Belly Fat frustating? Yes, BUT iit can also be a red flag for what’s happening inside your body. It’s not just about how your clothes fit or how you feel in the mirror. The truth is, stubborn belly fat is often a sign of deeper imbalances that can impact your overall health in ways you might not even realize.
Did you know that carrying excess belly fat has been linked to several health concerns that go beyond appearance? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on.
- NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): Excess belly fat can negatively affect your liver, leading to conditions like NAFLD, where fat builds up in your liver without you being an alcohol user.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Many women with PCOS struggle with belly fat. It's related to insulin resistance, where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to weight gain. Balancing your blood sugar can make a significant difference.
- Pre-Diabetes: As mentioned earlier, blood sugar problems from belly fat can lead to pre-diabetes, putting you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Autoimmunity: Some studies suggest that belly fat may be linked to increased inflammation in the body, which could trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Extra belly fat can raise your risk of heart disease by contributing to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, but most importantly, the elevated triglyceride levels caused by elevated blood sugar will exacerbate this condition.
Understanding Your Blood Work
When you go in for your annual physical, your doctor usually gives you one of two answers: “Everything looks fine” or “Your labs are off, here’s a prescription.” But what if there was more to the story?
Understanding key lab markers can help you take control of your health before you’re blindsided by a diagnosis. And one of the most important things you can track is your blood sugar levels.
Here are four essential blood tests that can give you valuable insight into your health:
- Fasting Blood Sugar: This test tells you how much sugar is in your blood after fasting overnight. High levels may indicate pre-diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Fasting Insulin: This measures how much insulin your body is making. High insulin can indicate your body is struggling to manage blood sugar levels. Elevated insulin is a marker that indicates incoming chronic disease.
- Hemoglobin A1C: This test shows your average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months, which is an indicator of how well you're managing your blood sugar.
- Triglycerides: These are fats in your blood. A high level can increase your risk of heart disease and indicate your body is not able to keep things in balance.
Triglycerides vs. HDL Cholesterol
When you get your blood work back, pay attention to the relationship between triglycerides and HDL (the "good" cholesterol). Ideally, you want your HDL to be higher and your triglycerides lower.
This combo is vital for heart health. On the other hand, total cholesterol isn’t as important for assessing your overall health as these other markers are.
Final Thoughts
If belly fat is something you’re concerned about, it’s essential to see it as a red flag for potential chronic diseases. Managing your blood sugar is a fantastic first step! Focus on foods that stabilize your blood sugar, make time for movement, and prioritize sleep. Every little change adds up to a healthier you!
Want to dig deeper? There is so much more to learn about how our bodies work and what we can do to feel our best. Reach out to me at support@nourishedfn.com if you want to learn how to gain control of your health.
My current program “Full and Fit” 3 Weeks to Food Freedom and Fat Loss” is available to you. Click the button now!
Hi, I’m Monica!
Certified Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner
I’m a Certified Nutritionist and a Functional Medicine Practitioner. My training as a dietitian with a Masters degree, who chose a career in nutrition and dietetics did not prepare me for my health journey ahead.
A stressful job, combined with hormonal imbalance and a history of blood sugar swings was the perfect storm for a health breakdown.
I found the help I needed by searching as a patient; not a clinician. When I found relief I knew I had to dedicate myself to guiding others toward restored health, through finding root causes. I found blood sugar regulation to be at the core of chronic illness.
I’m here to guide and support you and show you the way. I’m dedicated to sharing the tools I’ve acquired along the way. You can expect me to bring information to you about health topics that will help you find robust health!
Welcome home!
