In a study published in the American College of Cardiology's journal, researchers examined the impact of sleep deprivation on weight and fat distribution. Consequently, the extra energy was stored primarily in the abdominal area. The increase in calorie intake was particularly noticeable during the first days of sleep deprivation. The study concluded that sleeping a maximum of four hours per night for just two weeks led to significant changes; compared to participants who got adequate sleep, total abdominal fat increased by 9%. Meanwhile, particularly harmful visceral fat, meaning the internal fat in the abdomen surrounding the organs, increased by 11%. The study also found that participants who suffered from sleep deprivation consumed more food; during the period when they slept only four hours a night, they consumed more than 300 additional calories daily. Furthermore, protein intake increased by approximately 13%, and fat intake by 17%. However, energy expenditure remained almost constant throughout the study period, meaning the body did not burn extra calories, despite participants staying awake for longer periods. Regular exercise and a balanced diet also help reduce belly fat and improve metabolism. People who work shifts should also be careful to maintain regular sleep schedules, provide a quiet sleep environment, and follow healthy eating habits. This indicates that lack of sleep is a contributing factor to visceral fat accumulation. Moreover, making up for lost sleep does not solve this problem, at least in the short term, meaning that even if affected individuals later slept longer and ate less, previously accumulated visceral fat may persist. Sleep is a factor that can be effectively influenced. However, visceral fat continued to increase. Researchers explained that visceral fat is not stored directly under the skin but deep in the abdominal cavity around the liver, intestines, and other organs. Experts generally recommend that adults sleep seven to nine hours each night. This area is not visible from the outside, and this type of fat is particularly dangerous due to its association with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It seems that lack of sleep redirects fat to the internal area; despite a decrease in calorie intake and weight during the recovery period, visceral fat continued to increase. Results of a recent American study showed that lack of sleep increases dangerous belly fat. Later, food consumption returned to its initial level.
