32 Reasons Belly Fat Is So Hard To Lose

You’re Stressed Out

Stress can also be a huge cause of weight gain, according to findings published in the journal Obesity Research. First off, when we’re stressed or depressed, many of us reach for our favorite comfort foods such as a tub of ice cream or bag of potato chips. We lose control of our dietary habits, which leads to overeating and consumption of excess calories that will be stored as fat. Another reason for stress-induced weight gain is because cortisol, a stress hormone, is secreted more when you’re stressed. This hormone prompts excess weight to be stored as belly fat and also leads to an increased cravings for more salty and fatty foods.