Summary
A Newsweek article explains that sleep loss and stress are key factors that contribute to belly fat, even if diet and exercise are healthy. Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which signals the body to store fat. Lack of sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain.
Key Facts
- Sleep and stress can contribute to belly fat, not just diet.
- High cortisol levels due to stress encourage fat storage, especially around the belly.
- Stress can lead to increased cravings and reduced metabolism.
- Lack of sleep is linked to higher obesity rates and causes people to eat more high-calorie foods.
- Poor sleep affects hormones that control hunger and fullness, leading to overeating.
- Sleep deprivation can slow metabolism and increase fatigue.
- A disrupted sleep pattern can affect the gut microbiome, crucial for proper metabolism.
- Both stress and poor sleep can lead to health risks like heart disease and diabetes.
