Tuesday, August 21, 2007

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat by Eliminating Stress

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat by Eliminating Stress

Most people are probably aware that stress and the "stress hormone" cortisol, contributes to belly fat. It's pretty well documented, especially with the sale of many cortisol related products, which promise to do away with belly fat, by decreasing this hormone. But are you aware of the science behind the connection? If not, let me briefly explain.

Fat in the belly is different than other fats in your body. There is a great blood supply to the fat in your stomach and an increased number of receptors for cortisol (the stress-related hormone). During the day, your cortisol levels will both increase and decrease. However, for those that are chronically stressed, cortisol levels will stay elevated. High levels of cortisol are contributed with an increased appetite, and increased fat depostis, especially around the abdomen. The more stress, the more cortisol, the more belly fat. Chronic stress also destroys neurons in the brain, which cause trouble with the feel good neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonic, which leads to depression, stress and fat.

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