Understanding Belly Fat: Causes and Solutions
As men age, their hormone balance changes, which can affect the distribution of fat across the body, such as around the belly. A significant hormonal change with ageing is the decrease in testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays an important role in regulating fat distribution in the body and maintaining muscle mass.
With advancing age, a man's metabolism typically slows down, mainly due to these hormonal changes and a decrease in muscle mass. Testosterone is crucial in determining how efficiently the body burns calories.
The role of insulin in belly fat accumulation
As men grow older, the risk of developing excess belly fat increases. This unwanted fat around the waist is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. One of the primary contributors to the increase in abdominal fat in men aged 45 and over is the role of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone the pancreas produces that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It enables cells to take glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. When the body does not respond efficiently to insulin, it can lead to insulin resistance, a significant factor in belly fat increase.
Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in the body become less sensitive to insulin, making it harder to absorb glucose. As a result, the pancreas has to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, increased insulin production can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdominal area, as insulin also stimulates fat storage.