{"id":17115,"date":"2026-05-18T08:17:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T02:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17115"},"modified":"2026-05-18T08:17:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T02:32:56","slug":"lack-of-sleep-can-increase-belly-fat-scientists-discover-a-new-cause-of-obesity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17115","title":{"rendered":"Lack of Sleep Can Increase Belly Fat, Scientists Discover a New Cause of Obesity<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

As people age, some begin to accumulate body fat rapidly, especially around the abdomen. While poor diet, lifestyle stress, and prolonged sitting are known causes, there is another important factor \u2014 insufficient sleep. Scientists have discovered that not getting enough sleep for two consecutive weeks can lead to an increase in belly fat.<\/p>\n

According to findings from studies conducted on a large number of people, those who sleep less than four hours a night tend to eat more and consequently have a higher rate of body fat accumulation compared to those who sleep nine hours. After two weeks of continuous sleep deprivation, although total body weight increased by only one percent, the area of visceral fat in the abdomen was found to increase by nine percent. This deep belly fat is considered particularly dangerous.
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According to scientists, prolonged sleep deprivation triggers an intense craving for food in the brain, which stimulates hunger and the drive to seek food. The fat accumulated in the body due to lack of sleep takes the form of visceral fat, which builds up deep inside the abdomen and increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.<\/p>\n

The study also revealed another interesting fact \u2014 in people who get enough sleep, even if they eat a lot, fat is mainly stored under the skin, with little increase in visceral fat. However, in sleep-deprived individuals, fat not only accumulates more easily but the area of visceral fat can be up to 11 percent greater. Catching up on sleep later does not provide much benefit once the deprivation has occurred.<\/p>\n

When visceral fat increases, the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and many other illnesses rises, along with an equally heightened possibility of brain shrinkage and neurological damage.<\/p>\n

If nightly sleep is less than five hours, total body fat can increase by 27 percent and belly fat by 16 percent. With five consecutive days of insufficient sleep, the average rate of fat gain can rise by 1.6 percent. However, sleeping more than six hours a night lowers the risk of various types of fat accumulation. Scientists conclude that if one can sleep seven to eight hours daily, body fat can naturally decrease and obesity can be kept under control.<\/p>\n

Adequate sleep not only helps reduce body fat but also protects the heart and blood vessels, improves metabolism, nourishes the skin, sharpens memory, strengthens mental health, reduces bodily inflammation, and boosts immunity. Overall, sufficient and quality sleep is immensely beneficial for both physical and mental health.<\/p>\n

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