Chronic stress is the leading cause of abdominal fat. Stress is something your body need, but in large doses, it may be harmful. Consider this: if you are put in a dangerous scenario, your adrenal glands go into overdrive and create cortisol. This is the hormone that makes you feel "stressed." When you're stressed out for long periods of time, your body will start storing fat to ensure it has enough energy to fight off danger. Stress also causes your body to release more of the hormone insulin. Too much insulin means you'll store extra calories as fat instead of using them as fuel. Research shows that women who score high on stress tests have higher levels of insulin in their bodies. Over time, this can lead to obesity. Other factors such as lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to a stressed-out belly. If you are not giving your body the proper tools it needs, it will try to protect itself by holding on to weight. The best way to avoid a stressed-out belly is to learn how to manage stress properly. This means not only dealing with stressful situations but also learning how to relax regularly. Exercise, get enough sleep, eat well, and stop drinking too much alcohol - these things will all help you deal with stress and provide your body with the support it needs.