When Is the Best Time to Gain Fat Belly?

Belly fat, or visceral fat, can increase a person's risk for certain types of cancer and heart disease. Getting enough protein, eating a low sugar diet and exercising regularly can help reduce belly fat.

Stress is also a major factor when it comes to gaining belly fat. This is because it triggers the release of cortisol, which boosts metabolism and helps your body convert calories into energy.

During Menopause

As women enter the menopausal stage in their 40s and 50s, they often experience gain fat belly as well as bothersome symptoms like sleep-interrupting night sweats and hot flashes. Many women mistakenly believe these symptoms are caused by their hormonal changes as they transition into perimenopause and then into menopause, but the truth is that weight gain in this natural part of life’s timeline is actually due to a redistribution of fat, not a sudden increase in total body mass.

The hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause result in the accumulation of a greater amount of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat as compared to premenopausal women. This is likely due to declining oestrogen levels, which may also contribute to a loss of muscle mass and a decrease in metabolism.

Fat that is stored in the abdominal area can impact a woman’s health by increasing her risk for obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The key to avoiding menopausal weight gain is to make lifestyle changes that include a balanced diet and regular exercise, focusing on both aerobic activities and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Women should eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. In addition, people should try to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two days of muscle-strengthening exercise per week.

During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. Many women worry about their weight and appearance, especially when they first find out that they are pregnant. However, a healthy amount of pregnancy weight gain is normal, and the best way to know how much you should gain is to attend regular prenatal appointments.

During the first trimester, the average woman gains about 1 to 4 pounds, depending on her pre-pregnancy BMI. Those who experience morning sickness or food aversions may lose weight, but once that passes, they typically start to gain more. The second trimester is when the pregnancy weight gain really kicks in. Those who are in the healthy range should aim to gain around 12 to 14 pounds. Those who are overweight should increase their target to around 16 to 18 pounds.

The third trimester is when the weight gain should slow down, but it is still important to eat enough calories. Many women find that the last month of pregnancy is the hardest to eat enough, as their growing fetus and enlarged uterus crowd their stomach.

If a woman gains too much weight, it can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It can also make it more difficult to return to a healthy post-pregnancy weight. However, if a woman doesn’t gain enough weight, it can cause fetal growth problems and result in a baby that weighs less than expected at birth.

After Pregnancy

Your body does some pretty cool things while you're pregnant: It grows a tiny human, and it also learns how to make milk so your little one can be fed once the baby is born. Unfortunately, the same parts of your body that do these amazing feats can sometimes get in the way when you're trying to lose pregnancy belly fat.

The uterus gets bigger during pregnancy because it has to expand to accommodate the growing baby, as well as the extra blood and fluids that accumulate. Once the baby is born, the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size and loses the weight of the baby, placenta and excess fluids. You can still look 6 months pregnant after delivery, though!

After delivery, the breasts may be painfully engorged for a few days while they produce colostrum for the baby. This can make it difficult to feel comfortable wearing a bra. It's important to wear a supportive nursing bra to help alleviate discomfort.

Some women get stretch marks after pregnancy because the skin stretched over the course of nine months. These marks usually appear on the abdomen, but they can also show up on thighs, hips and bottom. Getting rid of stretch marks takes time, but eating healthy and staying active will help you achieve your desired post-pregnancy body shape.

After Childbirth

After a normal vaginal or C-section delivery, your body will go through many changes. These may include sore breasts (they become engorged with milk), constipation, sensitive hemorrhoids and healing episiotomies. It is common for new mothers to feel extra stress, too.

If you eat a healthy diet, your baby will feed well and you'll lose some of the extra weight you gained during pregnancy. It's important to focus on plant-based foods and high fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Lean proteins and healthy fats are also good. Try to avoid consuming foods high in added sugar and trans fats, as these are linked to belly fat.

A healthy weight is essential for a number of reasons, including reducing your risk of serious health conditions. Belly fat increases your chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. It can also increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Conclusion

If you're unsure how to start losing weight after childbirth, talk with your doctor or OB/GYN about a safe exercise program. It's usually okay to begin light exercises, such as walking or pelvic floor and tummy exercises, as soon as your doctor approves it. Bending down with your knees, instead of your back, when picking something up off the ground can help strengthen thigh muscles and reduce the amount of strain on your abdomen.