Language is always evolving and today, when people mention a muffin top, they’re usually referring to bulges of fat spilling out from the top of clothing waistlines instead of a bakery treat. Muffin tops are a common cosmetic complaint for women and the cosmetic woe can result from a number of factors.
Causes of a Muffin Top
Fat around the belly, lower back and waist is especially stubborn. This area of the body is prone to carrying extra weight, particularly in women. Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, insufficient sleep and hormonal changes can all contribute to muffin tops, and many women find it difficult to battle this bulge.
The Role of Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise are always the first steps toward good health and belly fat reduction, but sometimes they’re not enough. Women who struggle to get rid of a muffin top may be making all the right moves yet still be left with excess fat. That’s because the belly is vulnerable to hormonal fluctuations and often stores subcutaneous fat.
Hormones and Belly Fat
Cortisol is a stress hormone. Stress and lack of sleep cause cortisol levels to rise, which releases sugar into the bloodstream. The belly has four times more cortisol receptors than other cells, making it a popular place for sugar to hang out. Abdominal fat that results from hormonal changes can be difficult to lose.
When It’s Time for a Tummy Tuck
When diet and exercise can’t remove the muffin top, a tummy tuck may be the answer to regaining a flat tummy and slim waistline. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy and helps to eliminate pockets of fat.
