Here is why belly fat is more common as we age, and 3 ways to prevent it
More people focus on staying healthy and as they age, but it is true that it can be more challenging with age.
New research has revealed that cellular changes during the aging process can cause abdominal fat, and that is exacerbated by stress and sleep problems that contribute to weight gain.
“People often lose muscle and gain body fat as they age, even when their body weight remains the same,” said study author Qiong (Annabel) Wang, PH.D., a professor assistant at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology of City of Hope, in a press release.
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Published in Science magazine, preclinical research involved experiments in mice that were later confirmed with human cells.
A new investigation points to human cells that change with age, which can contribute to abdominal fat. (Istock)
The researchers focused on a group of stem cells called Adipocyte’s progenitor cells (APC) within the fatty tissue responsible for age -related weight gain.
When these mice cells of various ages transplant another group of younger mice, they noticed the creation of large amounts of fatty cells inside the younger mice.
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However, when they transplanted a lot of young mice cells to old mice, they did not see the same effect.
The results confirmed that the oldest stem cells are more likely to lead to new fatty cells, regardless of the host age that receives them, the press release said.
It was discovered that the oldest cells produce more fat regardless of the host age. (Istock)
“While the ability of most adult stem cells to cultivate wells with age, the opposite is true with APCs: aging unlocks the power of these cells to evolve and spread,” said Adolfo Garcia-Ocana, president of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology in City of Hope, in the press release.
Aging also changes these APCs to another group of cells called compromised preadipocytes, specific age (CP-AS), which actively produce new fatty cells.
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Humans have a “signaling route”, a chemical reaction that controls how the body manufactures cells, called a leukemia inhibitory factor (LIFR), experts said.
“Our research indicates that LIFR plays a crucial role in the trigger of CP-as to create new fatty cells and expand abdominal fat in major mice,” Wang said in the same release.
3 ways to prevent belly fat
Despite the effects of aging, there are steps that people can take to avoid the expansion of the waist, according to Dr. Sajad Zalzala, co -founder and medical director of Agelsrx in Detroit, Michigan.
“As we age, our ability to maintain lean muscle mass decreases, which contributes to metabolic deceleration and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.” (Istock)
1. Prioritize protein
“As we age, our ability to maintain lean muscle mass decreases, which contributes to metabolic deceleration and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen,” said Zalzala, who did not participate in the study of the city of Hope, to News Digital.
It recommends starting the day with 20 to 30 grams of protein, which can be found in foods such as Greek yogurt, protein and eggs.
Eating proteins at the beginning of the day keeps it full time, stabilizes blood sugar and encourages muscle maintenance, according to the doctor.
2. Optimize sleep management and stress
“Chronically high cortisol levels, which can be driven by poor dream or stress, promote fat storage, especially around the waist,” said Zalzala.
An expert recommends stress reduction strategies such as walking, full attention and encouragement to reduce cortisol levels. (Istock)
According to experts, people should aim from seven to nine hours of quality per night.
Zalzala also recommends stress reduction strategies such as walking, full attention and breath work, calling them “powerful tools for fat and metabolic health.”
3. Limit ultraprocessed carbohydrates and refined sugars
“The study reminds us that the aging of adipose tissue behaves differently: it is more inflammatory and prone to dysfunction,” Zalzala said.
“Minimize added sugars and highly processed carbohydrates (white bread, cakes, sugary drinks) reduces insulin resistance and fat accumulation, particularly the visceral fat that is deeply found in the belly.”