A combination of things happens as we age. We tend to lose muscle mass, so our abdominal muscles aren't as tight as they once were, and the loss of elastin and collagen in our skin allows gravity to have its way so skin starts to sag. Both can cause the waistline to expand.
One easily forgotten reason is that your weight only indicates your body mass index (BMI), not your body composition, which is the amount of muscle versus fat you have on your body. Your body composition makes a huge difference in what you look like even though it can't be measured by the scale.
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. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.
If by some freak change in your body composition, your organs, blood, bones, muscles and all other tissues combined could account for 1/4 of your weight; with 3/4 of your weight being fat, you're going to not weigh much but still have quite a bit of body fat; and thus, look fat.
Water retention causes swelling and puffiness in various parts of the body, including the face. This may give the illusion of excess facial fat. People who suspect they are sensitive to fluid retention should try to limit foods with high salt content. This includes most processed meals and snacks.
Muscle is denser than fat, meaning a kilogram of muscle takes up less space in your body than a kilogram of fat. So, even if you gain muscle and your weight on the scale increases slightly, you can appear slimmer and more toned.
You may simply have a genetic pre-disposition to store more fat in your face and buccal fat pads. Additionally, many people are simply born with a naturally larger or thicker buccal fat pads. This fat storage isn't always evenly distributed either – you may have larger buccal fat pads but have a slim body.
Muscle is heavier per volume than fat. You might look fatter because you have lost muscle mass and replaced it with fat. This could be for a variety of factors. One factor could be less physical activity and/or combined with a diet that causes you to build up fat rather than muscle.
Hormonal belly is when a person gains weight around the abdomen due to hormonal fluctuations. This could be due to changes in thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, or other hormone levels.
It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).
However, some people notice their clothes feeling tight, and they haven't gained a pound. They simply had their weight shift or changed their body ratio of fat to muscle by losing muscle and increasing fat.
A combination of things happens as we age. We tend to lose muscle mass, so our abdominal muscles aren't as tight as they once were, and the loss of elastin and collagen in our skin allows gravity to have its way so skin starts to sag. Both can cause the waistline to expand.
If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.
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.
Water weight is not usually a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable and recurring. Reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, keeping hydrated, and frequently exercising are all good ways to lose water weight and prevent it from returning.
The 30/30/30 is a weight loss method that involves eating 30 g of protein within the first 30 minutes of your day and following it with 30 minutes of light exercise. This morning routine is rooted in sound science, and it could be a good way to increase your capacity to burn fat while keeping lean muscle.
Increased muscle mass
After your workout, your body works to repair these tears, allowing your muscles to get bigger and stronger. So even though you may be losing fat, you're gaining muscle. You might feel slimmer, even as the number on the scale rises.
The “whoosh effect” is a term for the noticeable weight loss that some people report while following low carb diets such as a keto diet. Some people believe that the whoosh effect happens when fat cells lose fat and fill with water. Researchers have not scientifically proven the whoosh effect, however.
Facial fat significantly impacts facial attractiveness, as it can alter the shape and contours of the face, leading to a less defined appearance. Weight gain can result in a puffier face with rounded features and a less prominent jawline, while weight loss can enhance facial angles and create a more sculpted look.
People are prone to carrying their weight in certain areas of their bodies. Some of us carry extra fat around our waistline, while others instantly gain weight in their thighs. If you have a double chin despite being skinny, your body just happens to genetically store extra fat around the jawline.