Yes, having some belly fat is normal and healthy as it cushions organs, but too much, especially the deep visceral fat around organs, increases risks for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, so managing it is key, with waist measurements over 35" (women) or 40" (men) signaling higher danger.
Visceral fat is sometimes called “active fat” because it plays an active role in how your body functions. Having some visceral fat is normal and healthy. It cushions and protects your internal organs. But having too much visceral fat may be harmful.
A tape measure is an even better way of keeping tabs. A waist circumference of more than 35 inches in women and more than 40 in men indicates an unhealthy amount of visceral fat. Measure your belly at the level of the navel, not at the narrowest part of the torso.
Here are some tips for replacing them with healthier options.
Reducing belly fat
You need to limit your calories and eat a healthy meal plan that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, lean meats, poultry, and fish. It's also important to get regular exercise.
Measuring your abdominal fat
Breathe out, then check the measurement. Measurements of more than 35 inches for a woman or more than 40 inches for a man indicate an increased risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The best exercises for burning belly fat involve a mix of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for maximum calorie burn and metabolic boost, and Strength Training (like compound lifts) to build muscle and raise your resting metabolism, coupled with consistent Cardio (running, cycling) and a healthy diet for overall fat loss, as spot reduction isn't possible. HIIT, with activities like sprint intervals, burpees, and jump squats, creates an "after-burn" effect, while deadlifts and overhead lunges build core and full-body strength.
The explanation is that belly fat has fewer beta receptors than subcutaneous fat elsewhere in the body. Since beta receptors receive a message from the body to burn fat during a calorie deficiency, the belly does not get this message as strongly and therefore burns less of its fat.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Puberty - Increased hormones in a child's body during puberty (between the ages of 10 and 14 for girls and between the ages of 12 and 16 for boys) leads to growth and possible expansion of “baby fat” areas. This typically takes place in girls' belly, breast area and hips. Boys' shoulders will get broader.
Body Shapes with the Highest Risk of Health Problems
Apple and pear body shapes tend to have the highest risk. Apples tend to be at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes because they hold a larger amount of tummy fat.
In most people, about 90% of body fat is subcutaneous, the kind that lies in a layer just beneath the skin. If you poke your belly, the fat that feels soft is subcutaneous fat. The remaining 10% — called visceral or intra-abdominal fat — lies out of reach, beneath the firm abdominal wall.
It's no surprise that the best one-two punch for reducing visceral fat is a combination of exercise and a healthy diet. However, the type of exercise matters, as does how you adjust your diet. “To fuel belly fat burning, you need to build muscle mass, which means increasing resistance exercise,” says Dr. Apovian.
Factors like age, genetics, poor diet, stress, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle habits (e.g., heavy drinking) can contribute to abdominal weight gain, with visceral fat posing significant health risks.
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No single body part loses fat first. Everyone loses fat from different places initially, depending on a variety of factors. In general, women may lose fat from their legs first, and men may lose fat from their torsos first — but it's highly individual.
Some of the ways she's lost weight include walking, eating more protein, and medication to help with how her body processes food. Clarkson started some of these changes to her diet and exercise routines when she moved to New York City, where she hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, losing 10 kg in 2-3 months is possible but highly unsustainable. He explains that to achieve this, you need a daily calorie deficit of about 1,300, which is extremely difficult to maintain.
When comparing fasting in the night vs morning, evidence gravitates toward skipping dinner rather than breakfast. While some research studies agree that you can lose weight when skipping breakfast, there can be health risks such as elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease [9][10].
So, does “mom pooch” go away? Yes — at least, most of the time. Although postpartum belly is stubborn, the good news is that eventually, much of it will disappear on its own. Just as you experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, your hormones shift after you've given birth.
Top five recommendations for battling belly fat and burning calories
Sugar is a major culprit.
Research indicates that excess sugar consumption may encourage body fat storage, especially around your abdomen. So, even if you're practising portion control, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars may increase belly fat.
The evidence: Though some animal studies support the idea, I could find no compelling evidence from human studies that drinking extra water helps burn fat as a means to lose excess weight.
The best exercises to lose belly fat before bed include planks, leg raises, bicycle crunches, Russian twists, glute bridges, side planks, and reverse crunches. These exercises are designed to be gentle yet effective, targeting your core muscles without interfering with your sleep.
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure will often be the best method for removing a hanging belly. This is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure will remove both excess fat and skin from the abdomen creating a flatter stomach.