Wondering why your belly suddenly won’t budge in midlife? It’s not your imagination, and it’s not just about calories. Estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and your gut microbiome all play a role in how your body stores fat, especially around the waist. In this post, you’ll learn what’s really going on beneath the surface and the smart, doable shifts that can help you feel leaner, lighter, and more in control again.