Though the term might sound dated, "middle-age spread" is a greater concern than ever. As people go through their middle years, their proportion of fat to body weight tends to increase. Extra pounds tend to park themselves around the midsection.
At one time, we might have accepted these changes as an inevitable fact of aging. But we've now been put on notice that as our waistlines grow, so do our health risks. Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it's a key player in a variety of health problems — much more so than subcutaneous fat, the kind you can grasp with your hand. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between our abdominal organs.
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FAQs
Keep moving. Exercise can help reduce your waist circumference. Even if you don't lose weight, you lose visceral belly fat and gain muscle mass. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days, such as brisk walking or bicycling at a casual pace.
How to get rid of belly fat medically? ›
Ultrasound therapy is often used for stubborn belly fat. During ultrasound therapy, highly focused sonic waves break down fat cell walls. This releases the fat inside the cells to be metabolized by the body. This treatment option requires up to three treatments, each spaced two weeks apart.
What is the fastest way to lose belly fat? ›
High-intensity interval training (HIIT): It is probably one of the fastest and most efficient ways to lose stomach fat and reduce the overall body fat percentage.
What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›
Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
- foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
- foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
- foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
- green tea.
Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.
Does walking reduce belly fat? ›
Studies show walking is one of the best ways to shed belly fat, in less time than you think. Researchers reviewed 40 years of studies on exercise and belly fat and found that just 2 1/2 hours of brisk walking a week--about 20 minutes a day--can shrink your belly by about 1 inch in 4 weeks.
How do I reduce my big belly to a flat stomach? ›
The following sections look at specific ways to help get rid of belly fat.
- Focus on low calorie foods. ...
- Eliminate sugary drinks. ...
- Eat fewer refined carbs. ...
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. ...
- Go for lean proteins. ...
- Choose healthful fats. ...
- Develop a workout. ...
- Boost overall activity.
CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is the most popular non-invasive fat reduction treatment in the world, with over 6 million treatments performed to date. CoolSculpting essentially freezes fat cells to death using precisely controlled cooling. CoolSculpting Treatment Time: Depends on the area treated and applicator used.
Is there a pill I can take to lose belly fat? ›
Losing Belly Fat With Weight Loss Drugs
Meridia, Phentermine, and Xenical are the most commonly used FDA-approved drugs for treating obesity. They are used for people with a BMI of 30 and above, or those who have a BMI of 27 and other obesity-related medical conditions.
How can I reduce my tummy in 7 days? ›
Additionally, check out these tips for how to burn belly fat in less than a week.
- Include aerobic exercises in your daily routine. ...
- Reduce refined carbs. ...
- Add fatty fish to your diet. ...
- Start the day with a high protein breakfast. ...
- Drink enough water. ...
- Reduce your salt intake. ...
- Consume soluble fiber.
Techniques that may help people get a flat stomach include:
- Add cardio. Share on Pinterest Buena Vista Images/Getty Images. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Limit refined carbs. ...
- Increase protein intake. ...
- Do exercises while standing, not sitting. ...
- Add resistance training. ...
- Eat more healthy fats (in moderation) ...
- Move more.
Six weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Methods of weight loss that scientific research supports include the following:
- Trying intermittent fasting. ...
- Tracking your diet and exercise. ...
- Eating mindfully. ...
- Eating protein with meals. ...
- Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. ...
- Eating plenty of fiber. ...
- Balancing gut bacteria. ...
- Getting a good night's sleep.
Fortunately, using a mix of proven strategies can simplify and expedite healthy weight loss at a steady rate.
- Is it possible to lose 20 pounds in 30 days? ...
- Count calories. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Increase your protein intake. ...
- Reduce your refined carb consumption. ...
- Start lifting weights. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Follow a sleep schedule.
Sustainable approaches are better for those looking to maintain their weight loss and overall wellness. Celebrities follow intense fitness routines to stay in top shape. Their regimens often combine cardiovascular exercises with strength and resistance training to keep their bodies toned and fit.
What is the secret to losing belly fat? ›
The key is to lower your overall body fat with moderate-intensity physical activity and a healthy diet; when you reduce your total body fat, you'll also be reducing your belly fat. So if you want to do abdominal exercises, make them part of your fitness routine.
How to lose 7 pounds of belly fat in a week? ›
Keep track of your calorie intake for 1-2 weeks before you start. You'll need to eat roughly 1,000 calories less than you normally do to drop a pound every day. Drop carbs from your diet and focus on eating fresh veggies and lean proteins. Aim for 1 hour of aerobic exercise every day to help you burn enough calories.
