Flat Stomach

Are over age 40

Used to gain fat in your hips and thighs, but now it goes right to your abdomen

Have stopped menstruating or are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms (hot flashes, erratic menstrual cycles, night sweats)

The cause Falling estrogen and a declining metabolic rate

The fix Maximize calorie burn, reduce calorie intake

Metabolically Challenged

The signs You:

Have been warned about having high triglycerides, blood pressure, or fasting blood glucose

Have been told that your HDL (good) cholesterol is low

Have a waistline of 35 inches or greater

Have a waist-to-hip ratio* of 0.8 or higher

The cause Out-of-whack insulin levels

The fix Balance your blood sugar

*To determine your waist-to-hipp ratio, divide your waist measurement (taken at the narrowest point) by your hip measurement (taken at the widest point). For example, if your waist is 30 inches and your hips are 38, divide 30 by 38 for a ratio of 0.79.

Stressed

The signs You:

Feel anxious at least once a day, often over everyday situations like getting out of the house in the morning

Have a never-ending to-do list that leaves you feeling overwhelmed on most days

Can't find time for yourself

Notice abdominal weight gain during major life events?a new job or house, a child leaving home

The cause Stress hormones like cortisol in overdrive

The fix Learn to relax