The hardest body shape to lose weight from isn't a specific shape, but rather areas like the lower belly (apple shape), hips, and thighs, often linked to being an endomorph (stockier build, stores fat easily) or experiencing hormonal changes (like stress/high cortisol), where fat, especially visceral belly fat, is stored for long-term energy and is stubborn to shed. These areas are genetically predisposed to hold fat, requiring consistent effort with diet and exercise.
Endomorphs tend to retain fat, leading to a weight-loss plateau Endomorphs have it harder than other body types when losing weight (as opposed to ectomorphs and mesomorphs) because the endomorph body type is predisposed to storing fat than losing it.
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.
Endomorphs have the hardest time losing weight. On the bright side, though, -- and that's where we are -- you don't really have to run for hours on end, drowning the treadmill in your sweat.
The most common stubborn fat areas include the belly, thighs, hips, lower back, upper arms, and neck. These regions tend to store fat more easily and resist weight loss, making them challenging for many people. Fat in these areas is often influenced by factors like hormones, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Mesomorphs build muscles easier than other body types. Bodybuilding comes naturally, and with the right fitness regimen a mesomorph can develop an impressive physique. Easier to lose weight. Mesomorphs may be prone to weight gain, but they also tend to lose weight easier than people with other body types.
Weight loss can be blocked by hitting a plateau (metabolism slows), eating hidden calories, not tracking intake, hormonal issues (like thyroid, cortisol), poor sleep/high stress, lack of protein/too many carbs, or medical conditions/medications, often requiring a holistic approach to adjust calories, activity, and lifestyle factors.
Females tend to gain the most weight during two key periods: emerging adulthood (late teens to mid-20s) when life changes often disrupt habits, and midlife (around ages 45-55) during menopause due to hormonal shifts that decrease muscle and increase abdominal fat, although the rate of gain slows in later decades. While the 20s see significant overall gain, menopause brings distinct body composition changes and fat redistribution, not just scale weight.
She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.
What's happening to your physique is called “body recomposition," which means you're losing fat and gaining muscle. Since muscle weighs more than fat and takes up less space, you'll see a slimmer figure when you look in the mirror. However, dropping actual pounds takes some time.
Nevertheless, the least attractive (cluster 1—thin torso and thin legs; or cluster 2—large torso and large legs) and the most attractive images (thin torso and medium legs) can be established.
Women who exhibit the hourglass figure have been shown to be more admired, which can put pressure on women whose body shapes are noticeably different to strive to achieve the hourglass figure. This can lead to body dissatisfaction which can cause eating disorders in (often young) women from all over the globe.
Endomorph
Starting between ages 30 and 40, you may find losing weight and exercising more challenging. The exercise you do may not have the same effect as before. It's not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. This weight gain in middle age—known as “middle-age spread”—is a natural consequence of aging.
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.
At 22% body fat, men often have a softer midsection, less muscle definition, and a healthy but not overly lean look, while women typically appear athletic and toned, with some ab definition visible when flexing and definition in arms and legs, sitting in the "fitness" or "average" range for both genders, though visual appearance varies by individual.
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.
Kim Kardashian publicly shared she was diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm, a bulge in a blood vessel, discovered during an MRI for her show, though she later confirmed it was likely something she'd had for years, not an acute crisis, and she's fine, while also managing her long-standing psoriasis. She suggested the stress from her divorce might have contributed to her health concerns, but subsequent updates showed monitoring and no immediate danger, with doctors finding low brain activity after more scans.
The Kardashian Way to a Tiny Waist
One of the biggest fashion and workout trends of the past five years has been waist training, thanks in no small part to the iconic Kardashian sisters. Since 2014, they've taken turns showing off their signature hourglass curves, perfected with their “waist-snatching” waist trainers.
The best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning after you've gone to the restroom but before you eat or drink anything. The reason for this is that your body has had enough time to digest all the food and drinks you've consumed from the day before all while you were getting your beauty sleep.
Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.
If you gain 2 to 3 pounds a day, or 5 pounds a week, you should see your provider. It's also important to see them if you gain 5% or more of your body weight in a month. This type of unexpected weight gain may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Ozempic is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls into the obese category, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health concerns such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking. Work up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Some people may need more exercise than this to lose weight and keep it off. Also aim to do strength training exercises at least twice a week.
You Might Be Eating Too Little
This phenomenon is called “starvation mode,” and while your body isn't actually starving, it will naturally hold onto whatever calories it receives in an effort to help you maintain your energy balance.