Why do I gain weight in my stomach only as a female?

Author: Damien Renner  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body.

What does a hormonal belly look like?

You can easily pinch the excess fat because it builds up under your skin. When hormonal imbalances cause abdominal weight gain, the fat accumulates around your internal organs (visceral fat). Your belly enlarges and takes on an apple shape. You may look extremely bloated instead of like you're carrying extra weight.

Why am I skinny but have a big stomach as a female?

One reason for belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. Even skinny people can spend too much time in front of the television or computer screen, and this can encourage what little extra fat they have to settle into the stomach. A diet high in processed foods can also cause belly fat, even in skinny people.

How to get rid of hormonal belly?

Tips for Reducing Hormonal Belly In Women

Move regularly – Getting regular exercise helps fight against both VAT and SAT. Eat more fiber – High-fiber foods help you feel satiated for longer. Focusing on fibrous foods may also mean you'll be less likely to snack on highly processed options with added sugars.

How to get rid of fat stomach woman?

Here's how to whittle down where it matters most.
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

The 2 Leading Causes of BLOATING & Rapid Weight Gain in Women

What burns the most belly fat for female?

Doing aerobic exercise while eating a healthy diet is the best way to lose belly fat and overall body fat. This will help to create a calorie deficit (where you use more calories than you consume), which promotes fat loss over time.

What is a PCOS belly?

PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.

What does a cortisol belly look like?

Cortisol belly simply looks like abdominal fat, and there is no way to identify it by appearance. More important than its appearance is what cortisol belly can do to your health. Visceral fat is considered particularly dangerous because of its location near vital organs and its metabolic activity.

How do I reset my hormones to lose weight?

But, the good news is there are some ways to reset hormones that aid in weight loss and sometimes they can be done naturally.
  1. Eating a healthy diet. ...
  2. Getting enough exercise. ...
  3. Medications. ...
  4. Improving sleep. ...
  5. Reducing stress levels.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

How to lose 2 inches of belly fat overnight?

You can't lose belly fat, or any other kind of fat, overnight. “What you're aiming for is just slow, steady weight loss,” Khadanga says. “This comes down to staying active and being cautious about your diet.” The pace of weight loss depends on several things.

Why am I only chubby in my stomach?

Genetics: Research shows that genes play a role in abdominal fat accumulation. Various studies have concluded that increased abdominal fat in nonobese individuals is related to hereditary causes. You may inherit genes that contribute to abnormal distribution and storage of fat in the body.

What drink to lose belly fat?

9 drinks that help burn belly fat fast
  • Green Tea. Packed with antioxidants, green tea boosts metabolism and helps burn fat, especially around the belly. ...
  • Lemon Water. ...
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  • Herbal Tea. ...
  • Fenugreek Water. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Coconut Water. ...
  • Detox Water.

How to lose a cortisol belly?

Treatment For Cortisol Belly
  1. Get more than six hours of sleep per night.
  2. Increase your physical activity, such as by walking or practicing yoga.
  3. Support your mental health.
  4. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  5. Reduce your alcohol consumption.
  6. Avoid smoking.

What does cortisol face look like?

The swelling can make your face look round and puffy. Moon face is a common side effect of corticosteroid use and a symptom of certain health conditions. Although harmless, the condition can affect your self-esteem. The medical term for this is moon facies, but other people call it cortisol face.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Changes in estrogen levels
  • Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. ...
  • Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. ...
  • Thinning tissues may cause discomfort. Skin may appear more wrinkled.

What is blocking my weight loss?

Weight loss resistance is a complex issue that is influenced by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, poor sleep quality, medications, poor gut health, thyroid disorders, sex hormone fluctuations, and blood sugar imbalance with insulin or leptin resistance.

What tea balances female hormones?

Which teas are best for balancing hormones? Some of the best teas for hormone balance include green tea, peppermint tea, rooibos tea, chasteberry tea, spearmint tea, and maca root tea. Each of these teas has unique properties that can help regulate different hormones and alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

What does an estrogen belly look like?

So what does a 'hormonal belly' look like? Well, it often shows up as a rounder stomach area due to increased visceral fat around the internal organs - you might hear this described as an apple-shaped body type.

What lowers cortisol immediately?

Take deep breaths. Several studies reveal the benefits of deep-breathing exercises for at least five minutes, three to five times a day. Research shows that it helps to lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety and depression, and improve memory. To get started, try using a deep-breathing app like Insight Timer or Calm.

Do I have cushing's or am I just fat?

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome

The symptoms often come on gradually and include: having more body fat on your neck, upper back, chest and tummy – your arms and legs may look thin compared to the rest of your body. a red, round face – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin.

What are the warning signs of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS may include:
  • Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.
  • Ovaries that are large or have many cysts.
  • Extra body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly.
  • Acne or oily skin.
  • Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
  • Infertility.

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