Not All Belly Fat Is the Same! Expert Reveals 6 Hidden Causes You're Ignoring (Image Credits: iStock)
Trying to lose belly fat but seeing little to no progress? You're not alone. Belly fat is one of the most stubborn forms of fat, and it doesn’t always respond to the same diet or workout plans as the rest of the body. But here’s something most people don’t realise: not all belly fat is the same.
“Not all bellies are built the same, and it's not always just fat!” says Anushi Jain, certified nutritionist and weight loss expert. In a recent post on Instagram, Jain explained that our belly shape can actually tell us a lot about what’s going on inside the body. From stress to hormonal changes, each “belly type” reflects a different root cause—and knowing that can help you take the right steps.
Why Belly Fat Is So Difficult to Lose
Unlike fat stored in other areas, belly fat is often visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and is deeply linked to hormones and metabolism. “Visceral fat is hormonally active,” Jain says. “That means it's influenced by stress hormones like cortisol, insulin levels, and changes in estrogen or thyroid hormones.”
On top of that, this type of fat doesn’t always respond quickly to diet or cardio. It often needs a more targeted, holistic approach, especially when hormonal imbalances are involved.
Let’s break down the different types of belly fat and how to tackle each:
1. Stressed Belly
What it looks like: A pouch-like belly, often with high cortisol levels.
Cause: Chronic stress.
Solution: “Sip on green tea rich in L-Theanine,” Jain recommends. It helps calm the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels.
2. PCOS Belly
What it looks like: Lower belly bulge that’s hard to lose.
Cause: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which leads to insulin resistance.
Solution: “Cinnamon tea can help balance blood sugar levels,” says Jain, making it easier to manage weight.
3. Thyroid Belly
What it looks like: Puffy and soft belly fat.
Cause: Low thyroid hormones.
Solution: Coriander seed tea is rich in antioxidants and can support thyroid function naturally.
4. Menopause Belly
What it looks like: Fat stored around the lower abdomen.
Cause: Drop in estrogen and rise in insulin resistance during menopause.
Solution: Peppermint tea helps reduce bloating and soothe digestion.
5. Bloated Belly
What it looks like: Belly that feels hard and swells during the day.
Cause: Digestive issues, often linked to hormonal imbalances.
Solution: Peppermint tea is again a winner—it aids digestion and reduces bloating.
6. Alcohol Belly
What it looks like: A rounded belly with fat accumulation in the front.
Cause: Excess alcohol leads to poor liver detox and fat storage.
Solution: “Ash gourd juice can flush out toxins and support liver health,” Jain suggests.
Losing belly fat takes more than crunches and calorie counting. Understanding the root cause behind your belly shape—whether it's stress, hormones, or digestion—can help you target it more effectively.
And remember, consistency, hydration, and sleep are just as important as diet and exercise.
“Every belly tells a story,” says Jain, “and when you listen closely, you can heal from the inside out.”
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