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What Are the Causes of Excessive Belly Fat?

Excessive belly fat is associated with a variety of health problems. As you explore the causes, be aware it's the belly fat you can't see that puts you most at risk.

  1. Hormonal Causes

    • One cause of excessive belly fat is the hormone Neuropeptide Y (NPY). When produced in the brain, you experience feelings of hunger. BBC News reported on research conducted by Lawson Health Research Institute in Canada that discovered that NPY is also present in belly fat, where it encourages fat cell production.

    The Effects of Aging

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that many causes of excessive belly fat stem from aging, including decreased physical activity, a widening waist, a shift in weight distribution and a slower metabolism. All of these are more predominant in women than men, and become noticeable after menopause.

    Prevention/Solution

    • As of early 2008, the team at Lawson Health Research Institute were studying how NPY works so it can be detected early and "turned off."

    Measuring Body Fat

    • Even if your weight and BMI are normal, your waist circumference could be unhealthy.

      According to a 2006 study by obesity researcher, Dr. Arya M. Sharma at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, body mass index (BMI) is no longer considered the best way to measure body fat; for example, it doesn't account for age differences. Computed tomography (CT) scans or a tape measure around the waist more accurately determines your internal belly fat amount.

    Effects

    • The Mayo Clinic warns that excessive belly fat increases your risk of a variety of cancers, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, gall bladder problems and diabetes.

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