Struggling to lose belly fat despite workouts and diet? Lifestyle coach brings attention to one key factor

A common health and fitness concern in today’s world is dealing with excess fat around the abdomen. Individuals try to get back in shape by adopting several lifestyle changes, including switching to healthier meals, cutting down on sugary and highly processed foods, and committing to regular exercise routines. Some go an extra mile, following strict workout plans and adhering to disciplined schedules, hoping to achieve visible results. However, despite their honest efforts, the fat around the midsection can be surprisingly persistent, leaving people feeling discouraged and confused, especially when they think they are doing everything right.

If you are also someone who is questioning whether certain habits, hidden factors, or overlooked mistakes might be slowing your weight loss progress, then integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho might have the answers to these burning questions. According to him, diet or exercise might not always be the real issue, as sometimes the answer lies in your nervous system.

Chronic stress triggers stubborn belly fat

According to the health expert, a critical factor often overlooked is the state of the nervous system, particularly chronic stress, which can quietly interfere with the body’s ability to lose fat, particularly around the abdomen. Luke Countino, in his latest Instagram post, explains that due to prolonged stress, the nervous system shifts into what he describes as a survival biology mode, prioritising protection over fat loss. Even if a person wants to shed weight, the internal systems of the body remain focused on staying safe.


As a result, stress hormones such as cortisol elevate, insulin regulation gets disrupted, and sleep quality deteriorates, signalling an increase in fat storage. As per Luke Coutinhom one of the most direct consequences of this response is fat accumulation around the midsection. When the body gets stuck in a fight-or-flight state, it stores fat in the abdominal area. In simple terms, the body is not trying to be leaner because it is trying to protect itself from what it perceives as an ongoing threat.

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Calming stress supports healthier fat loss

This is the reason why many people struggle with stubborn belly fat despite. If the nervous system is dysregulated and the body is under constant pressure, it operates in protective mode rather than prioritising fat loss. Chronic stress stems from multiple factors, such as poor sleep, emotional strain, burnout, or the tendency to aim for perfection in every aspect of life. Over time, these accumulated stressors keep the body locked in a heightened state of alertness.

Luke Coutinho recommends simple lifestyle changes like yoga, deep breathing exercises, taking regular breaks, playing sports, pursuing hobbies, spending time in nature, travelling, and nurturing meaningful relationships, which help the body relax. They allow emotional release, encouraging the elimination of built-up tension. These habits gradually lower stress hormones, restoring balance, and the body returns to functioning in a healthier way.