Money & Belly Fat! That’s Right…They Are Directly Linked
May 05, 2021Money & Belly Fat! That’s Right…They Are Directly Linked
Why You CAN’T Lose That Belly Fat
This is an extremely important blog for many reasons, and NOT just about money.
In fact, for many this may be even MORE important than money.
And it's all about how you look in the mirror.
I know, I know, sounds crazy right? What is this financial guy talking about your appearance in the mirror – so just stay with me here.
Well let me tell you, there is a direct correlation to your financial situation and how you look in a bathing suit.
You may be surprised to learn that your financial stress can be a key source of why you're overweight – especially in the midsection.
And I’m not necessarily talking about overeating. I mean, that will happen when you’re financially stressed.
But what I’m talking about something much deeper than that. Much more menacing than that.
And not only overweight in general but, what I'm talking about is being overweight in the midsection, that belly weight; that stubborn belly weight that is so hard to get rid of.
If you've seen my episodes before, I often talk about financial stress and its impact on your overall health.
Any research study will tell you that money is the number one cause of stress and stress is the number one cause of our most deadly diseases and health ailments
The Underlying Source of Your Financial Stress
So there IS a direct correlation between money stress and your overall health.
This is why I say, this financial epidemic that's affecting 8 out of 10 people, is a bigger epidemic than ALL diseases combined
Your financial stress is causing heart attacks, strokes, lung ailments, cirrhosis, suicide, high blood pressure, irritability, anxiousness, insomnia, and the list goes on and on.
In fact, money problems are the number one cause of divorce and relationship problems. And what does that lead to?
Yes, that’s right, more stress.
It's a vicious cycle.
But there's another problem that your financial stress is causing that you are likely unaware of.
Are you ready for it….that's how you look in the mirror without your clothes on. It’s true!
You see when you're stressed your body produces a hormone called cortisol – also known as the “stress hormone”. Cortisol is an important hormone in our body and it plays an important role for all of us; but too much of it can be extremely dangerous.
Think of cortisol as nature’s built-in alarm system. It’s your body’s main stress hormone.
It works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear. I mean, that sounds good right?
Well, it can be. But too much cortisol can be a big problem. And one of them is weight gain.
Why???? Well, increased levels of the hormone cause higher insulin levels, which causes your blood sugar to drop.
The end result of these actions can be an increase in appetite and can cause cravings for sweet, high-fat, and salty foods.
And with elevated cortisol levels, the body also produces less testosterone, leading to a decrease in muscle mass.
And with less testosterone to build muscle mass, your body starts to burn fewer calories.
Over time, too much cortisol throws your blood sugar level out of whack, AND will interrupt your sleep
Ever had that “tired but wired” feeling? It’s likely you have too much cortisol in your system.
This also leads to feelings of anxiety and depression, and even affects wound healing.
And chronically high cortisol levels can even cause us to age quicker.
And here’s where people really freak out!
Cortisol may not only promote weight gain, but it can also affect WHERE you put the weight on.
A chronically high level puts extra fat on your belly. Why?
One reason is that we have more cortisol receptors in our abdomen than in other area of fat storage!
In other words, your belly has four times more “doorways” for cortisol to act on our fat cells.
That’s why many call Cortisol “The Belly Fat Hormone”
And if you haven’t figured it out by now, which I’m sure you have, stress causes cortisol.
And too much stress causes a lot of cortisol. And because financial stress doesn’t just come and go, financial stress is prolonged stress – sometimes affecting us 24 hours a day / 7 days a week – many people are living with high levels of cortisol continuously. And weight loss in that environment is almost IMPOSSIBLE
Did you ever think that your money problems are why you can’t lose weight and why no matter how hard you try, you continue to put weight on in your mid area?
Did you ever think that your financial state could be one of the primary reasons you’re not healthy, why you might be overweight, and that it could be literally killing you?
It is an epidemic. And It is such a major problem I am thoroughly amazed that more people have not been sounding the alarm about these things.
Do you finally see the impact this is having on your life and even people you know? Your loved ones?
A KEY STEP TO MINIMIZE CORTISOL
Well, one thing you can do immediately, to minimize your financial stress is to get organized.
In my experience, most people come to me with a junk drawer of financial statements documents and contracts, and most of the time half the information is missing.
That alone is a huge cause of stress on people.
Just by getting organized and putting a system in place to manage all your paperwork, statements and documents so you know where everything is, is a huge step in minimizing your financial stress – thus controlling your cortisol levels.
As I've always said there is a direct correlation between financial disorganization and financial devastation.
And this is something you can do to immediately lower those stress levels.
I have a one-page financial filing system, you can download on my website.
It's nothing sophisticated, but it will help you set up a system that works for you.
Well, I hope this was helpful and I hope this was eye opening, and I hope this is the spark you need to get proactive with your financial situation.
Lots of other free resources on my website to help you start your journey to financial freedom and Peace of Mind RIGHT NOW!
Also, just to let you know, I'm very excited to announce my new online course is coming soon, so stay tuned for more information on that, because I will say, it's an amazing program – unlike any other financial program available.
It is designed to not only transform your financial life, but it will transform your entire life FOREVER.
See you in my next blog! Upward and Onward!
John MacGregor is an international best-selling author, global speaker, and financial mentor to thousands of people worldwide. For over 26 years John has been assisting individuals with their personal financial needs using paradigm shifting techniques and strategies so people can finally live the life they deserve to live. Check out John's website for a variety of free resources so you can immediately start your journey to financial freedom and peace of mind.