Looking for real answers about what causes belly fat? Fortunately, the answers are right here. Carrying around extra weight can make anyone self conscious but perhaps one of the most embarrassing spots for excess fat is the belly. It’s hard to disguise belly fat, people can’t help but notice, and when you can no longer fit into your best pair of jeans it’s incredibly disheartening.

But dealing with belly fat is more than an emotional issue. Storing fat in your tummy can actually be quite dangerous. That "spare tire" or pot belly can increase your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and even premature death. The facts may make you feel uncomfortable, but there’s no denying the truth. So, with that in mind, if you’ve needed motivation to zap the belly fat once and for all, knowing your health and overall well-being are at stake is a strong incentive.

So what causes belly fat anyway?

If you’re already working on your belly fat, you’ve taken the first hard step. Half the battle is in making up your mind to get started. But before you start your weekly trips to the gym or begin a new diet program, it’s best to understand what may be the underlying reason for your struggle with a belly bulge.

Chances are you think you already have some understanding of what causes belly fat. It’s that pint of Rocky Road ice cream you finish off before bed or your aversion to the gym, right? Not necessarily. While it’s certainly true the lack of healthy diet and exercise play a huge role in belly fat, they aren’t the only factors.

Here are 5 other typical causes for excess belly fat.

Heredity – If members of your family have trouble with belly fat, chances are you’ve inherited the same tendency. But that doesn’t mean you have to just throw your hands up in the air. But that doesn’t mean you should just give up. The truth is most belly fat is in fact due to bad lifestyle choices rather than genes.

Digestive problems – Foods that are hard to digest may cause digestive problems which leads to bloating. Though this isn’t technically belly fat, improper digestion is a condition that shouldn’t be ignored – plus, an extended belly makes you appear bigger than you really are.

Worry and stress – You may be surprised to hear that stress affects more than your nerves. Stress causes the release of cortisol, which affects glucose levels and metabolism. You may find you eat more when you feel stressed. ~ If you’ve ever found yourself grazing through the pantry when you’re really not hungry at all, you know just how true this is.

Late night eating – Late night eating is one of the worse things you can do when it comes to managing belly fat. You shouldn’t eat anything two to three hours before bed time. Late night snacking interferes with your body’s ability to effectively burn fat while your sleeping and even effect the next day.

Sluggish metabolism – No matter how we feel about it, a slow metabolism is one result of aging. Burning calories can be a slow and difficult process. But if you eat a diet rich in the right foods, you can give your metabolism the kick it needs.

Understanding exactly what causes belly fat is the first step in taking action to finally do something about it. Armed with this knowledge, you can choose the diet and exercise plan that best meets your needs. And once you do, before you know it, you’ll be on track to a flatter tummy and more youthful, attractive appearance.