Tropical Weight Loss
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Does your stomach sag as you age?

It is completely normal to put on more weight on your midsection as you get older, especially after menopause. Body fat tends to shift toward the abdomen as muscle mass deteriorates. It's all a part of the aging process, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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Obtaining a toned physique is a goal for many people. Getting your midsection trim is often especially important, as that’s what’s on display when going to the beach. As you get older, however, you might feel that your dreams of a flat belly have been all for naught. But don’t let your age hold you back. You can maintain a flat stomach even as you get older, especially if you’re in decent shape before your mid-fifties or sixties.

The Belly Fat Inevitability for Women

It is completely normal to put on more weight on your midsection as you get older, especially after menopause. Body fat tends to shift toward the abdomen as muscle mass deteriorates. It’s all a part of the aging process, according to the Mayo Clinic. Decreased estrogen levels contribute to the redistribution of body fat, so even if you aren’t gaining weight, you may see an increase in fat in your abdomen versus other areas of your body.

The Belly Fat Inevitability for Men

An increase in belly fat is also a common thing for aging men. Men also lose muscle mass as they get older, which slows down the metabolism, resulting in weight gain. The fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen because sometimes fat cells in the arms and legs lose their ability to store fat, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Visceral Fat and Your Health

More so than your subcutaneous fat, the belly fat you can pinch between your fingers, your visceral fat, the fat that surrounds your internal organs, can put your health at risk. As you age and pack on the pounds around your midsection, you may also experience an increase in visceral fat, which increases your chances of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, says Harvard Health Publications.

A Flat Stomach is Possible with Exercise

Even though aging does increase the likelihood of accumulating belly fat, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve and maintain a flat stomach, quite the contrary. Performing moderately intense cardiovascular exercise at least 150 minutes a week can help to keep your weight under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, a study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center and cited by Harvard Health Publications, showed that sedentary adults gained more visceral fat over the course of 6 months than their active counterparts. They gained 9-percent more visceral fat and more subcutaneous fat, to be specific.

Strength Training Plays a Role

As you already know, aging can cause your body to lose muscle mass, regardless of your sex. That doesn’t mean you can’t fight the process by performing strength training, however. Working out with weights can help you build up and maintain muscle mass, which results in a faster metabolism, says Harvard Health Publications. This helps you to keep excess weight off. Plus, you can perform toning exercises, like sit-ups and crunches, to firm your abdominal muscles and keep your stomach looking flatter.

Dietary Considerations

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How can I hide my belly folds?

Choose tops with draping, pleats, or frills to disguise excess fat. A shirt that has extra fabric and texture will trick the eye and hide the bulge around your belly. A top with a lot of detail and fabric pairs perfectly with simple bottoms, like a classic pair of black trousers or a pencil skirt.

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo . Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week. This article has been viewed 164,178 times.

Article Summary

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If you want to hide your belly fat, adjust your posture by sucking your stomach in and straightening your back. Not only will this make you appear slimmer, but good posture will support your spine and help prevent back problems caused by carrying extra weight. As you go about your day, correct yourself if you start to slouch, since slouching can make your belly look bigger than it is. In addition to keeping good posture, avoid tight or clingy clothes that bring unwanted attention to the midsection. Instead of fabrics like lycra or satin, opt for clothes made from cotton, velvet, or wool blends that are more forgiving. To naturally cinch your waistline, try wearing mid or high-waisted pants, which will hug in any love handles or belly pooches. For more help from our Stylist co-author, like how to put together an outfit that accentuates your best features, read on!

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