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Numerous studies have shown that people who carry excess weight in the abdominal region are more likely to have health problems, including heart disease.

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According to the Sleep Foundation: "Increased abdominal girth from excess fat can compress a person's chest wall, decreasing lung volume. This reduced lung capacity diminishes airflow." All of this can make it more challenging to sleep.

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Belly fat is especially troublesome since it is in the layer of padding below the skin (subcutaneous fat) and includes visceral fat or those that lie deeper in the abdomen and surround internal organs.

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A person's weight predominately depends on four factors: how many calories they intake each day; how many calories they burn daily; age; and genetics.

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Belly fat can mean an increased risk of unhealthy fat in your blood. If fat builds up in your vessels, it can actually plug up arteries and restrict blood flow. Too much blockage and a heart attack might occur.

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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), abdominal obesity can, on average, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes "more than twofold."

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According to Harvard Health, there is a higher risk of death associated with the more fat a person has in their abdomen. This centrally located fat is sometimes called having an "apple shape."

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There is research that shows that having an obese waistline can actually increase your likelihood of certain cancers, like colorectal, pancreatic, breast (after menopause), and uterine cancers.

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As menopause approaches, estrogen levels start dropping. Estrogen is a hormone that helps regulate fat distribution. As levels decline, fats tend to gather in the abdomen versus places like the hips and thighs.

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The NIH concluded that "fat infiltration of the liver is well correlated with the amount of abdominal fat." It's essential to maintain a healthy weight and limit fat intake.

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In women particularly, studies show that "abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke."

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Having a significant amount of belly fat can cause you to be at risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure means the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to your body.

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Stress is a large contributing factor. As the body becomes stressed, it produces cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that encourages fat in the abdominal areas (amongst other things).

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Insulin resistance can happen due to several factors, including poor diet, limited exercise, or genetic makeup. It's important to be very careful, as insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and is more common in women as they age.

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Diets that are high in sugars and refined carbs are no good! They can contribute to resistance to insulin as well as weight gain.

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When you consume these foods, your blood sugar levels spike, which can lead to increased insulin production and the storing of fat.

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If you are someone who doesn't work out often or doesn't get enough physical activity, then this can contribute to weight gain in the abdomen.

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Sleep is an important factor when it comes to one's health and managing weight. If you aren't sleeping enough or you're sleeping irregularly, then it can have a negative impact.

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The increase in cortisol means it's easier for women to gain and unfortunately retain that fat in the belly area. Stress management is a huge component of any plan to help manage your weight.

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Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by the hormone known as insulin. If your body becomes insulin resistant, then it will start storing fat, predominately around the abdomen area.

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If you aren't exercising, then it's likely your body will store that fat rather than burn it for energy. Exercise is an essential tool in helping reduce belly fat and in improving your overall well-being.

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Sleeping poorly or irregularly can disrupt your hormone levels, thereby increasing your appetite and eventually leading to weight gain. This extra weight can find its home in your abdomen.

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It's important in general, and especially when looking to trim abdomen weight, to choose portion sizes wisely. Try to eat at home more often than not; if you do eat out, consider sharing a meal with someone, or save half for later.

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Women should be concerned if the waist measures more than 35 inches (89 cm). In general, as the measurement of your waist increases so do the associated risks.

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The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that most healthy humans engage in moderate aerobic activities for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activities for 75 minutes a week.

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To see if the extra fat in your abdomen might be concerning, measure it. Using a measuring tape, stand and put the tape around your bare stomach slightly above your hipbone. You'll then pull the tape measure until it's snug, relax, exhale, and finally measure your waist without sucking in your stomach.

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While there are many ideas to help with the loss of belly fat, a major one is to sit less and move around more often. If you work sitting down, consider setting a timer each hour to get up and move a little.

Sources: (NIH) (Harvard Health) (Times of India) (Mayo Clinic) (American Family Physician) (Sleep Foundation)

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In postmenopausal women, 15-20% of total body weight is belly fat, while for premenopausal women it's about 5-8%.

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Sugary drinks are not good for your health and can contribute to weight gain. Be sure to make smart choices, such as drinking water.

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For many women, belly fat is an unfortunate reality. Unfortunate in that it can lead to more serious issues, including diabetes and even a heart attack. Belly fat can increase over the years and is nothing to joke around about. In this gallery, you'll find some of the leading causes of belly fat, as well as symptoms and how to reduce it.

Curious about belly fat and how you can stay healthy? Click through now.