Age and genetics may contribute to gaining belly fat

Your weight is largely determined by three main factors:

• How many calories you consume during the day
• How many calories you burn off through daily exercise
• Your age

If you eat too much and exercise too little, you're likely to pack on excess pounds — including belly fat.

Getting older plays a role too. As you age, you lose muscle — especially if you're not physically active. Loss of muscle mass decreases how quickly your body uses calories, which can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, men in their 50s need about 200 fewer calories daily than they do in their 30s due to this muscle loss.

Your genes also can contribute to your chances of being overweight or obese, as well as play a role in where you store fat. However, balancing the calories you consume with activity can help prevent weight gain, despite your age and genetics.