Frequently asked questions

Fat around the abdominal organs, called visceral fat, is metabolically active and can raise the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. You cannot lose weight only from your belly. Nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress reduction affect the whole body.

Cortisol is a stress hormone your body makes. It helps you cope with strain and affects blood sugar, blood pressure and the immune system. Cortisone is the precursor of cortisol and is used as a medicine, for example against inflammation.

Possible signs include sleep problems, exhaustion, irritability, cravings or weight gain around the belly. These signs are non-specific. A medical test brings clarity.

The face has its own fat pads. How much fat sits there depends on genetics, age, hormones, water retention and weight. When you lose weight, your face often changes too. You cannot lose weight only there.

Hormone replacement therapy can ease menopause symptoms and affect fat distribution. It is not a weight-loss treatment, though. Whether it is right for you is something to discuss with your gynaecologist.

Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from the blood into cells. When insulin is high, the body tends to store energy rather than burn it. With insulin resistance, cells respond less well to insulin. This can make losing weight harder.

Possible signs include cravings, tiredness after eating and weight gain around the belly. These signs are non-specific, though. Blood tests from your doctor bring clarity.

Regular exercise, enough sleep, less sugar and white flour and more fibre and protein can help. If you take diabetes medication, discuss changes with your doctor.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder. It often comes with insulin resistance, which can make losing weight harder. Your gynaecologist makes the diagnosis. Treatment is planned individually.

A diet high in fibre and protein and low in sugar can stabilise blood sugar. Anti-inflammatory foods and regular exercise help too. A nutritionist can help you find a plan that suits you.

A plateau is a phase in which your weight does not change despite your efforts. That is normal because the body adapts. Be patient. Look at sleep, exercise and nutrition, and notice other changes such as how you feel.

With prediabetes, blood sugar is raised but not yet in the diabetes range. This is an important chance to act. Exercise, a balanced diet and losing weight if you are overweight can lower the risk. Have your levels checked regularly by a doctor.

Yes. An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism and lead to weight gain. A simple blood test at your GP brings clarity.

Under stress the body makes energy available: blood sugar and blood pressure rise in the short term. If stress lasts a long time, this can strain your health in the long run.

Yes. Persistently high cortisol can increase appetite and cravings and encourage belly fat storage. Poor sleep plays a part too. This is not a matter of discipline but of biology.

Regular exercise, enough sleep, breaks, breathing exercises and time outdoors help many people. If stress weighs on you constantly, get support, for example from your GP.

Falling oestrogen changes where fat is stored, often towards the belly. At the same time muscle mass decreases and energy needs fall. Sleep problems and stress can also play a part. This is a natural process, not a personal failure.

Strength training helps maintain muscle. Endurance exercise strengthens heart and circulation. A diet rich in protein, fibre and vegetables supports you further.