There many reasons why people carry excess weight. Before attempting to figure out how to lose belly fat, you should examine the possible reasons that you have this problem in the first place. The most commonly believed theory is that tummy fat exists due to lack of exercise and a bad diet. The reality is that many more reasons can be found than these two alone.

Women who are postmenopausal will find that fat is stored up in the body. This fat loves to hide in the tummy.

The two most common body shapes are pear and apple. You are apple shaped if you mainly store fat in the middle section of your body. You will know that you are pear shaped if you store fat in the lower body. Your genes dictate your body shape. Therefore, genes also affect whether you carry weight in your stomach area.

When we are stressed, our bodies will release cortisol. The action of this release triggers excess sugar that is produced by the liver. When this happens you become hungrier and naturally eat more. The tummy is the target of these additional calories.

People who bloat a lot and have gas problems more than likely digest their foods poorly. Stress has been found to be the cause of poor digestion. Many of these people will have fat around their tummies.

Probably the most responsible factor or cause of fat in a persons tummy area is a sluggish metabolism. The older we get the slower the metabolism becomes. The burning of calories becomes increasingly difficult. People with fat in the stomach area will usually have a slow metabolism.

Watch your posture. A slouching posture can give the impression of a potbelly. Stand in the mirror and check your posture. If you slouch, then straighten up, and see how you appear less fat than is actually the case. Posture is important in terms of your confidence and appearance.

Retiring to bed on a full stomach is also not a good idea. It is said to be a very unhealthy habit. Food should be given three hours minimum to digest. Eating food within three hours of going to bed will result in an accumulation of fat around the tummy. If you need to ingest something then take a glass of milk or have a banana. Nuts and raisins are also good snacks to snack on at this time. The calcium from the milk will aid your night’s sleep as well.

Assess the reasons that are contributing to fat around your waistline. There are many factors that could cause your stomach fat and as many reasons to lose it. Research has shown that women who carry excess stomach fat may be more prone to heart attack.

The years will roll on before you become aware that you have excess fat to lose. For this reason, it is unrealistic to expect to experience fat burning overnight. Nor can you expect the latest miracle gadget, tablet, or diet to remove this fat immediately. It may take a while and seem endless, however the results will be well worth it.

By now, you should understand how to lose belly fat and why it’s there in the first place. To achieve quicker and more long lasting results, an exercise program will be of immense value. Consistency is key here. The health benefits alone should keep you motivated. While you may not burn tummy fat immediately, the new younger and energetic you will be well worth it.