Why belly fat increases from age 40, even if you live healthily
Belly fat from 40+? New research shows why it becomes more persistent and what you can do about it via testing for hormones, insulin resistance and inflammation.
And what you can do about it according to the latest science
Many people notice it: starting in your 40s or 50s, it becomes increasingly difficult to lose belly fat. Even if you eat healthy and exercise enough, that belly fat seems to become more and more stubborn. A new study by Wang et al. published in the leading journal Science (April 2025) shows that this is no imagination - and that there is a biological explanation behind it.
The discovery: aging fat cells
Researchers discovered a special group of fat stem cells that become more active as you age. These cells, CP-As (committed preadipocytes, age-specific), appear to store more fat even if your lifestyle doesn't change.
The driver is a certain signaling pathway in the body, called the LIFR signaling pathway, which becomes overactive in abdominal fat as we age. As a result, these stem cells start to develop into fat cells, leading to an increase in visceral abdominal fat. And that fat, in turn, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and low-grade inflammation.
Source: Science, April 2025 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj0430
Important insight: it's not just down to your behavior
This discovery underscores that abdominal fat gain is not just a matter of exercising more and eating less. Biological aging plays a direct role in this. Fortunately, however, there are ways to influence this process.
What can you do?
Although we cannot (yet) directly eliminate these aging fat cells, you can influence the factors that drive their activity:
- Reduce inflammation and insulin resistance
Chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance accelerate fat storage.
Relevant tests:
- Balancing Hormones
Changes in estrogen, testosterone and cortisol promote belly fat storage - even in men.
Get your hormones tested with:
- Optimizing the gut microbiome
Belly fat and metabolism are closely related to your gut flora. Bad bacteria can encourage fat storage and upset your energy balance.
Recommended solutions:
- InnerBuddies microbiome test: This test maps your gut flora and provides personalized advice on nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle.
- Noory: Through Noory, you work with a coach and app to break old patterns, with a personalized approach based on your behavior and body type.
Summary
Belly fat is not a "weakness" or a sign of poor discipline. It is partly a biological aging process that can be explained scientifically. But with the right insights, testing and support, you can make an impact.
Consider:
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Restoring hormonal balance
- Optimizing your gut flora
- Targeted behavior change (such as through Noory)
If anything abnormal is found that may require immediate medical follow-up, you will always be called by a physician or medical professional first.
Need personalized advice?
Want to know which test is most appropriate for your situation?
Contact our team or book a brief lifestyle consultation for personalized advice.
