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Weight gain
How does belly fat develop in men, and what can you do about it?
Getting older brings wisdom, experience and… sometimes a little belly too. Many people notice they gain weight after 45, even if they don’t eat or exercise much differently. That can be frustrating. The good news is: there are clear causes and ways to do something about it.
Weight gain in not always a cosmetic challenge. It is also a sign from your body, that you can't ignore. At IKARIA Clinics we see this as an invitation to explore. Weight gain does not happen overnight, and there is a solution..
Weight gain in not always a cosmetic challenge. It is also a sign from your body, that you can't ignore. At IKARIA Clinics we see this as an invitation to explore. Weight gain does not happen overnight, and there is a solution..
You've tried it all. No results..
As men age, their hormone balance changes. A decline in testosterone plays a particularly big role in this. Normally, this hormone helps distribute fat more evenly across the body and maintain muscle mass.
Less testosterone often means less muscle mass, and therefore a slower metabolism: your body burns fewer calories at rest. The result? Fat accumulates more easily around the abdominal area, leading to weight gain.
It’s not just testosterone – insulin also plays a role. This hormone helps your body absorb sugar (glucose) from food and turn it into energy. But as you get older, your body sometimes responds less effectively. This is called insulin resistance.
When someone has insulin resistance, their cells require more insulin to absorb the same amount of glucose. As a result, the pancreas produces extra insulin. In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, insulin acts as a “fat storage hormone,” particularly around the stomach.
Less testosterone often means less muscle mass, and therefore a slower metabolism: your body burns fewer calories at rest. The result? Fat accumulates more easily around the abdominal area, leading to weight gain.
It’s not just testosterone – insulin also plays a role. This hormone helps your body absorb sugar (glucose) from food and turn it into energy. But as you get older, your body sometimes responds less effectively. This is called insulin resistance.
When someone has insulin resistance, their cells require more insulin to absorb the same amount of glucose. As a result, the pancreas produces extra insulin. In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, insulin acts as a “fat storage hormone,” particularly around the stomach.
Why belly fat is more than just a cosmetic issue
Belly fat is stubborn and often difficult to get rid of, but it is more than just a matter of appearance. Too much belly fat increases the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
– Diabetes type 2
- High blood pressure
- Inflammatory responses in the body
That’s why it’s important to take belly fat seriously – and not dismiss it as an innocent ‘dad bod.
At IKARIA Clinics, we investigate these factors through blood tests and lifestyle assessments, so we don’t just see that something is going on, but also exactly what.
What we do differently at IKARIA
At IKARIA Clinics, you won’t just receive generic advice or a single supplement. Instead, you’ll get a personalised treatment plan that begins with a thorough consultation and blood tests. We map out your hormones, nutrient levels and lifestyle. From there, we design a programme tailored to you, which may include supplements, nutrition, coaching, medication or, if appropriate, hormone therapy.
All under the guidance of our doctors and consultants who understand how frustrating weight gain can be. And above all: who know what truly works. With us, you’re not only treated, but also heard. We address the root cause, rather than just the surface. And because every body is different, every treatment plan is unique.
All under the guidance of our doctors and consultants who understand how frustrating weight gain can be. And above all: who know what truly works. With us, you’re not only treated, but also heard. We address the root cause, rather than just the surface. And because every body is different, every treatment plan is unique.
What steps can you take today?
You don’t need to make any decisions about treatments or supplements yet. In fact, we advise against that until the cause is clear. What you can do is take the first step: gain insight. Book an introductory consultation at IKARIA Clinics. Together we’ll look at what’s happening in your body and how we can help. Discreet, professional and tailored to you.
No pressure, no obligations. Just clarity.
