Chronic stress increases abdominal fat. Cortisol and adrenaline, released during stress, might affect metabolism and fat distribution. Chronic stress may cause belly obesity in these ways:
Stress can cause insulin resistance, which reduces cell response to insulin. Insulin resistance increases abdominal fat storage.
Prolonged stress can affect glucose metabolism and promote fat storage. These alterations may cause abdominal weight gain.
Chronic stress can lead to comfort eating, sedentary behavior, and sleep disturbances. These lifestyle factors can cause abdominal obesity and weight increase.
Stress can alter metabolism, appetite, and fat storage hormones. This hormonal imbalance may promote belly obesity.
Remember that stress and belly fat are complex and individual reactions differ. Stress may cause some people to store fat in the abdomen, while others may not.