4 common reasons why belly fat doesn't go away even though you walk every day.

Walking offers numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, metabolism, and fat loss. However, if you walk incorrectly or ignore key factors, losing belly fat will still be difficult.

Here are some common reasons why you might walk a lot but still have a big belly.

Walking at too low an intensity

Walking is great for cardiovascular health. However, walking at a moderate intensity is sometimes not enough to change fat distribution. To effectively reduce fat, especially belly fat, you need to increase the intensity to brisk walking, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Walking at too low an intensity may not be effective in reducing belly fat.

PHOTO: AI

The most effective way to lose fat is still to combine both strength training and weightlifting. Numerous meta-analyses show that this combined approach significantly reduces fat, especially visceral fat. Therefore, those who enjoy walking can continue walking, simply by increasing the intensity and adding at least two weightlifting sessions per week.

Age and genetics

As we age, the body tends to lose muscle mass, while body fat tends to accumulate more in the abdominal area. In women, the pre-menopausal and menopausal stages are characterized by a decrease in estrogen hormones, often accompanied by an increase in visceral fat.

These changes are a natural part of aging. Additionally, genetic factors also contribute to the level of abdominal fat accumulation in each individual.

Therefore, for older adults or postmenopausal women, walking is still beneficial but requires a supplementary strategy. They need to increase muscle mass through strength training and adjust their nutrition as advised by their doctor.

Chronic stress

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels over time. High cortisol makes it easier for abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, to accumulate.

Furthermore, short or poor-quality sleep disrupts hormones that control hunger and promotes cravings for sugary, carbohydrate-rich, and fatty foods. Therefore, if you walk a lot but sleep little or experience high levels of stress, it will be very difficult to lose belly fat.

I like sweets.

It's not uncommon for people who exercise and walk a lot to still consume more calories than they need. Another possibility is that even if their total daily calorie intake is relatively stable, they choose to eat foods that promote visceral fat storage, such as soft drinks or sugary juices.

Therefore, in addition to measuring daily calorie intake, it's important to prioritize vegetables, whole grains, and whole fruits over sugary drinks, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-nguyen-nhan-pho-bien-lam-mo-bung-khong-giam-du-ngay-nao-cung-di-bo-185251215001750811.htm