Published on: 7/21/2025
Why does my body tend to store fat primarily in the stomach area?
Your body might store more fat in the stomach area due to genetics and family traits, as well as differences between men and women.
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Explanation
Storing fat in the stomach area can be influenced by a few factors. Genetics play a big role, meaning that if your family members have more belly fat, you might too. A study with twins showed that genes can affect where your body stores fat.
Another factor is gender. Men often store more fat in the belly than women. This is partly because of different hormones in men and women.
Family traits also matter. Research found that family members often have similar amounts of belly fat. This means if your parents or siblings have more belly fat, you might have it too.
Understanding these factors can help explain why some people have more belly fat than others.
(References)
- Carey DG, Nguyen TV, Campbell LV, Chisholm DJ, & Kelly P. (1996). Genetic influences on central abdominal fat: a twin study. International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 8856394.
- Nauli AM, & Matin S. (2019). Why Do Men Accumulate Abdominal Visceral Fat?. Frontiers in physiology, 31866877.
- Rice T, Després JP, Daw EW, Gagnon J, Borecki IB, Pérusse L, et al. (1997). Familial resemblance for abdominal visceral fat. International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 9368826.
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