If you exercise regularly and still have belly fat, this could be why

Have you been exercising everyday and still your tummy flab looks the same? It has been weeks of working out and sweating, and yet, nothing seems to change!

Moreover, losing belly fat isn't just an appearance-based concern. Fat collecting in your abdominal region poses more health risks than fat that sits elsewhere. Having a large amount of tummy fat, compared to having fat around the bottom or thighs, makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

There could be multiple reasons why you are unable to reduce your belly fat, despite exercising regularly. Read on to find out which one(s) might apply for you.

The first thing people usually do while going on a diet is that they cut out all kinds of fats from their meals. Instead of consuming healthy fats such as nuts, ghee, coconut oil, etc., people eat packaged ‘low-fat’ and ‘fat-free’ products, which actually contain loads of sugar or artificial sweeteners to make up for the lack of taste. The synthetic, non-food chemicals present in these processed items wreak havoc on our metabolism and digestion.

Healthy fat can play a vital role in weight loss by regulating your appetite and keeping your energy levels consistent. This will seriously reduce the incidence of belly swelling binges.

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If a protruding belly comes with cramps, wind and bowel trouble, an unhappy digestive system is likely to blame. Your first step to beat bloating is to identify the cause of your tummy trouble. Try a meal tweak to see if it makes a difference. Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone don’t help, consider taking a fiber supplement. Avoid eating fruit after a meal, as fruit can cause food to ferment in your stomach, leading to bloating and lots of gas. Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating. It is important to chew your food properly and eat slowly.

Lack of sleep is associated with elevated levels of the hormone ghrelin (which promotes hunger) and reduced circulating levels of leptin, the hormone that suppresses appetite. Because of this, not sleeping enough can lead to increased levels of appetite and hunger and an expanding portion of belly fat. By getting enough sleep your body will reset its hormones and you’ll make better food choices.

Researchers have found that shortened sleep, even in young, healthy and relatively lean subjects, is associated with an increase in calorie intake, a very small increase in weight, and a significant increase in fat accumulation inside the belly. So get your good night's sleep for a flat tummy.

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Chronic stress is one of the biggest reasons for belly fat. When the stress hormone cortisol goes through your body, fat takes residence in your belly. This is also called the stress belly. Non-overweight women who are vulnerable to the effects of stress are more likely to have excess abdominal fat, and have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, a study conducted at Yale suggests. It is important to find ways to destress everyday – whether it is by yoga, meditation, walking or exercise. Try to choose activities that will calm your mind as well as your body, not just your mood.