What determines where body fat is stored?
Body fat storage is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, gender, and lifestyle factors. Genetics can play a significant role in dictating where fat is stored in the body, with some people predisposed to store fat in certain areas more than others. Hormones such as insulin and cortisol also affect fat distribution, with women tending to store more fat in the hips and thighs, while men often store more in the abdomen. Age and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress can further impact where fat is stored.