Excess abdominal fat, also known as belly fat or visceral fat, is one common body issue that people deal with and attempt to resolve in their fitness goals. Most people who search out weight loss programs, exercise equipment, or other fitness devices like abdominal toning belts (you can get flex belt coupons online also) would consider excess belly fat as one of the main reasons why they would like to get in better shape. There are different factors that lead to belly fat, and if you are aware of the causes, then you will have better success in solving the problem.

One reason behind the appearance of abdominal fat is a natural occurrence in the body—hormones. A hormone called cortisol is a fat-storing hormone in the body. When the body is under various stress factors, it produces more levels of cortisol, which then causes more fat to be stored around the belly. Another hormonal imbalance which leads to belly fat is higher levels of insulin, because this hinders the production of a fat-burning hormone called glucagon in the body. This is the reason why processed and greasy foods should be avoided, as junk meals speed up the production of insulin and the hormonal imbalance occurs. Ab belt manufacturers, weight loss programs, or fitness websites always emphasize the importance of proper nutrition.

Another cause of belly fat is excessively high or low calorie levels in the body. Most of us are aware that too much calories can cause weight gain, because low-calorie diets and food choices are always marketed to people who need to cut their calorie intake. But not as much information is given about how low calorie intake can also contribute to excess belly fat; calorie deficiency causes the body to lack necessary nutrients, and when the body senses this, the hunger hormone is produced, sending hunger signals to your brain, and causing you to be hungry and possibly eat more. Maintaining a proper calorie count in the body is important to getting healthier, so it should also be a priority.