Getting older may come with its own set of perks—wisdom, maturity, more confidence. But one particular change that might not be so welcomed is the shift in body fat distribution, especially around the belly.

Have you wondered why shedding those extra pounds around your middle seems to get tougher as you get older, especially after hitting the big 4-0? The team at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals located in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, hear this question quite often.

To help unravel this mystery, our team has created this informative post with insights into why belly fat becomes stubborn post-40 and how a revolutionary aesthetic treatment called CoolSculpting® can help you tackle this challenge—no surgery required!

The biology behind belly fat

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our hormones are part of this natural process. Menopause in women can cause a shift in where the body stores fat, favoring the abdominal area over the hips and thighs. This is mostly because of a decrease in estrogen levels.

Your metabolism also naturally slows down with age, which means you burn fewer calories than when you were younger. This contributes to weight gain unless you adjust your eating habits and physical activity levels to make up for the slowdown.

The role of stress and sleep

Both stress and inadequate sleep can contribute to weight gain, especially around the middle. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances that encourage your body to store fat in the belly.

Similarly, a lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain, with studies suggesting that it can affect appetite-regulating hormones. These can affect your middle as you age, since your 40s and 50s are often filled with high-stress situations, like kids, aging parents, added work responsibilities, and less time for sleep.

Help from exercise and dietary changes

To combat the tendency to gain weight in our middle years, you might need to make adjustments to your exercise routines and diet.

Although cardio exercises are great for overall fitness, adding strength training to your routine can help build lean muscle, which naturally decreases with age, and boost your metabolism.

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help fuel your body and keep you satiated, making it less likely you’ll overindulge.

CoolSculpting for the win against stubborn belly fat

Even with diet and exercise, many women struggle to shed stubborn belly fat—especially when they’re at a healthy body mass index (BMI).

One particularly effective way to target stubborn belly fat is CoolSculpting, a fat-freezing procedure that’s taking the aesthetic world by storm, and we’re excited to offer this treatment at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals.

CoolSculpting is based on the scientific principle of cryolipolysis, which leverages the sensitivity of fat cells to cold temperatures.

When subjected to a certain degree of coldness, fat cells break down and are naturally expelled from your body through your lymphatic system. The best part? This happens without affecting the surrounding skin or muscle tissue.

The procedure itself is straightforward. Your trained CoolSculpting practitioner applies a gel pad and applicator to the targeted area. The applicator delivers controlled cooling to the fat cells under the skin.

The treatment is generally comfortable, and many of our clients read, work on their laptops, or even take a nap during their sessions. Plus, there’s no downtime required, so you can leave your CoolSculpting session and get on with your normal day.

Discover if you’re a candidate for CoolSculpting

It’s important to keep in mind that CoolSculpting isn’t a weight-loss solution, but a body contouring procedure. Everyone’s body and goals are different, but many people who struggle with stubborn belly fat find CoolSculpting to be a fantastic solution.

Ideal candidates are those who are near their ideal body weight but struggle with stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. However, it’s necessary to note that CoolSculpting is not suitable for everyone.

Individuals who are living with certain medical conditions such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria should avoid CoolSculpting. We conduct a thorough consultation to understand your specific needs and determine if CoolSculpting is the right option for you.

Belly fat may be harder to lose after 40, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the aesthetic goals you desire. With a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and innovative treatments like CoolSculpting, you can win the battle against stubborn belly fat.

Ready to say goodbye to stubborn belly fat? Schedule an appointment online or over the phone with a Sublime Aesthetic Professionals in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, to get started today!

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