In Chinese adults, people with higher levels of a specific enzyme (11beta-HSD1) in their belly fat tend to also have higher body weight, as measured by BMI.

In women, higher levels of a specific enzyme (11β-HSD1) in fat tissue are linked to having more body fat, especially around the belly.

In women who have fat stored around their internal organs (visceral obesity), the fat tissue produces more of a specific enzyme and hormone related to stress compared to women without this type of fat buildup.

In men, having more of a certain gene (11β-HSD-1) active in their belly fat is linked to carrying more overall body fat, more fat around the organs, and worse blood sugar control—but it’s not just about belly fat, it’s tied to fat everywhere.

Researchers looked at several genes related to stress hormones in fat tissue from women's bellies. They found that only one specific gene (11β-HSD1) in the omental fat was linked to belly fat obesity in women, even after accounting for other factors that might affect the results.

Doctors found that fat around the organs in women's bellies has more of certain proteins that handle stress hormones compared to the fat under the skin.