In women, the fat cells around the belly have fewer receptors for stress hormones than the fat cells under the skin, which might explain why belly fat builds up differently than other kinds of fat.

Women’s belly fat cells have fewer receptors for stress hormones than men’s, which might mean their fat tissue responds differently to stress.

Fat cells before they fully form have special receptors that can detect stress hormones like cortisol, and these receptors work about the same way as they do in other parts of your body — meaning they’re ready to respond when needed.

The fat around your organs has four times more receptors that respond to stress hormones than the fat under your skin — which might explain why belly fat is harder to lose when you're stressed.