What's Happening?
New insights reveal that sleep and stress are significant contributors to belly fat, beyond diet and exercise. Disrupted sleep and chronic stress lead to hormonal changes that promote fat storage, particularly around the midsection. Elevated cortisol levels, a stress hormone, signal the body to store energy as fat, while poor sleep affects metabolism and increases appetite for high-calorie foods. These factors contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat, which poses health risks such as heart disease and diabetes. Experts recommend strategies to manage stress and improve sleep quality to support healthy weight management.
Why It's Important?
Understanding the impact of sleep and stress on belly fat highlights the need for a holistic approach to weight management that includes lifestyle modifications beyond diet and exercise. This knowledge can influence public health strategies and individual behaviors, encouraging practices that promote better sleep and stress management. The findings also have implications for healthcare providers and wellness industries, as they may lead to the development of targeted interventions and products aimed at reducing stress and improving sleep to combat obesity and related health issues.
