If you were given the chance to change a single thing about your body - what would it be?

If the answer is "your belly", then you're not alone, as most women would choose getting a flatter stomach over any other physical change to boost their self-esteem. Unfortunately, the truth is that the older you get, the more difficult it is to keep belly fat at bay.

In our younger years, women are blessed with a surge of estrogen that helps to keep fat around the buttocks and hips so that we're well-prepped for pregnancy - but as estrogen levels start to drop around your 40s and 50s, you might find that your lower body fat begins to settle exactly where you want it least - around your waist.

Though we all crave solutions for getting a flatter stomach, the body naturally stores fat around this area because it's ideal for quick-use. Fortunately, if you follow some of our tips for getting a flatter stomach at any age, and invest in a waist compression belt, you should have everything you need for an incredible physique

Getting a Flatter Stomach in Your 40s

When you're in your 40s - there's a fair chance you'll begin to notice some extra flab around your belly that wasn't there before - perfect for hiding with a waist compression belt. That's because you'll be in the perimenopause stage - when estrogen levels drop and your metabolism begins to slow down. Stress can also contribute to problems here, as tension releases cortisol - prompting your body to store visceral fat.

How to Keep Belly Fat at Bay:

During your 40s, keeping belly fat at bay means:

• Packing in the Protein: Protein is exceptional for preventing muscle loss - so if you want to keep your metabolism working at its best, you'll need to stock up on around 0.45 grams per pound of body weight.
• Increasing your Cardio: HIIT, or High-intensity interval training is great for banishing belly blubber, particularly when you're using a waist compression belt - and research has shown that it helps you to burn more inches around your waist than any other workout strategy around.
• Strength training: Another way to reduce muscle loss is to start building them up with weights - tone your muscle groups with strength training a few times a week, and you'll find that your metabolism works faster than ever.
• Banish beer: As upsetting as the idea may be, too much alcohol leads to increased cortisol production, and beer is packed with carbs - so if you must drink, look for something more slimming - like a single glass of wine.

Getting a Flatter Stomach in Your 50s

For women, the 50s can mean the onset of menopause - which creates a huge drop in estrogen - making your waist a little rounder than usual. During the first few years of menopause, most women gain anywhere up to ten pounds - and most of that weight goes directly to the stomach area. If that wasn't enough, the lower levels of estrogen in your body can lead to more easily-disturbed sleep in many women, and tiredness can trick your body into thinking it's hungry - leading to an increased appetite.

How to Keep Belly Fat at Bay:

During your 50s, keeping belly fat at bay means:

• Sleeping more often: Now that your hormones are working against you, it's crucial to develop a proper system for sleep that allows you to get the rest you need. This means banishing anything that might disturb you from your bedroom - including pets and snoring husbands.
• Fill out your Fitness Schedule: If you're suffering for more aches and pains than you used to, you can always swap some of your high intensity sessions with moderate-paced walks and other lighter exercises. However, it's important to make sure that you're staying as active as possible, throughout the week - this means logging around 5 sessions with your waist compression belt per week. If you want to continue to guard against muscle loss, then sticking to your strength workouts is crucial too!
• No more wheat: Finally, keep in mind that a single slice of whole-wheat bread can increase your blood sugar more than a tablespoon of sugar would. This blast of sugar convinces your body to release insulin, which can prompt you to store more visceral fat.

Getting a Flatter Stomach in your 60s

In your 60s, your estrogen levels will be about the same as they were in your 50s, but you'll still be losing muscle due to the natural onset of aging. This loss of muscle will slow your metabolism even further, which is why belly fat can be a serious issue. What's more, osteoporosis (which leads to the loss of bone mass), can cause your belly to look rounder as you become shorter.

How to Keep Belly Fat at Bay:

During your 60s, keeping belly fat at bay means:

• Walking as often as possible: Just as you did during your 50s, in your 60s you should continue to keep your cardio sessions high - aiming for 2 HIIT power walks a week, alongside 2 more moderate strolls.
• Trying Hot Yoga: While regular yoga practice can help to strengthen your core, hot yoga completed in a heated studio is even better. As you start to age, your collagen breaking down can lead to saggy skin - even if your muscle tone is exceptional, but hot yoga done with a waist compression belt releases toxins that helps to maintain skin elasticity.
• Add extra protein: Adjust your protein needs slightly, by increasing the amount you consume to around 0.55g per one pound of body weight. This should help to keep your body fit and strong as you age.
• Build those muscles: Finally, in your 60s, strength training becomes more essential than ever, as it keeps your metabolism working as it should, while reducing problems with bone and muscle loss. Don't be afraid to reduce the weights slightly if you struggle - but don't give yourself too much of a break either - you should be prepared to sweat.