Why do we grow up?

The stomach is one of those parts of the body where Fats are preferably introduced. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area (abdominal fat) Harmful to health. Of course, we are not just talking about the subcutaneous fat located under the skin but about it visceral fat which is stored under the abdominal muscles. A phenomenon that increases with age for several reasons Head of Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital, Dr. As Olivier Dupuy explained to us.

1. Decreased muscle strength: “Abdominal wall muscle contraction causes the stomach to grow. The older we get, the more muscle mass and strength we lose. This is what we call Sarcopenia“, explains Dr Oliver Dupuy.
2. A less healthy lifestyle: “Lack of physical activity, along with increased caloric intake, promotes visceral fat gain“, warns the endocrinologist. It is necessary to adopt a varied and balanced diet.
3. Hormonal changes: A decrease in estrogen in women and a decrease in testosterone in men can promote the storage of abdominal fat. “in fact, Weight gain during menopause is controversialRefer to an expert. Some studies have shown that this is not automatic and is often related to a decrease in muscle activity during this period. What can help balance this weight gain?physical activity. Men, for their part, tend to gain weight because they are more sedentary and less active, with caloric intake disproportionate to their energy expenditure.
4. A metabolism that slows down: With age, the body naturally burns fewer calories and begins to accumulate belly fat. “Weight gain does not necessarily bode well in terms of longevity. Hence it is necessary to maintain good muscular activity to prevent visceral fat from accumulating in the stomach and liver but also in the heart, brain etc.“, insists our interlocutor.

what to do

To limit the accumulation of age-related belly fat or lose it once it’s already established, you should:

► Maintain regular physical activity: Maintain muscle mass by combining swimming, cycling, or endurance running with muscle-strengthening exercises.

► Eat a varied and balanced diet rich in protein, fiber and essential fatty acids. Foods rich in sugar, salt and fat should be avoided. Better to rely on raw food and cook yourself.

► Maintain quality sleep: Melatonin secretion declines with age and the deep slow sleep that allows the body to recover is reduced. So it is important to ensure that you maintain quality sleep. To regulate hormones which is involved in appetite control.