Why is Belly Fat Hard to Lose?

Fat around mid-section is one of those undesirable byproducts of modern lifestyle which plagues men and women alike. Sedentary work, lack of exercise, consumption of unhealthy foods has all resulted in accumulation of fat on tummy region. This problem is more evident in men than in women.

Those who acknowledge this problem resort to several different ways of losing belly fat. However, many a time, these exercises or diets do not yield desired results. Belly fat is particularly stubborn and does not respond to usual weight loss measures.

Human body tends to store fat as a source of energy in the future. Whenever, fat content in the body exceeds fat utilization, body starts storing this excess fat in fat cells. Fat cells are present only in the certain areas of the body. The more number of fat cells, the greater is fat deposition in that area.

Every individual has some genetic predisposition which determines where he will store the excess fat. You may have observed that pot bellies or double chins run in the family. Besides, men and women tend to store fat at different places.

For instance, women store fat in thighs and hips rather than on stomach. Men are more susceptible to carry pounds of flab on their stomachs.

The reason why belly fat is so hard to lose is that your normal movements do not put any stress on the belly region. This is a very intelligent tactic by the body to prevent unnecessary consumption of fat. Imagine if your body stored fat in your legs or hands or fingers?

In this case, you would invariably burn some amount of fat whenever you performed your daily functions. As the body does not want to deplete its fat storage unnecessarily, it chooses a safe spot for fat storage. Storing fat on the stomach ensures that it stays there happily when you only perform basic functions.

Besides, the stomach is located in the middle of the body, thereby making it an ideal spot for distributing fat to the entire body. Hence, whenever the body is required to burn fat for sufficing energy requirement, it does not waste any energy distributing it to far away organs. Thus, the body does everything it can to preserve the fat deposit on stomach. This is why it is really difficult to lose belly fat.

Belly fat, though difficult to lose, is certainly not impossible to get rid of. Many people adopt a completely wrong approach in getting rid of their belly fat. Abdominal exercises such as crunches, ab workouts, push-ups, do little to burn belly fat. These exercises only strengthen your ab muscles without really burning any fat.

Thus, you may have nice six pack abs hidden behind a layer of fat! The only type of exercises that work for belly fat are cardiovascular exercises like running, jogging, cycling, etc. Aerobic exercises, dancing are also some of the most effective ways of losing belly fat.

A simple exercise such as climbing stairs for 15 minutes can result in considerable fat loss from the belly region.

Apart from exercises to burn belly fat, one must also concentrate on their diet. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, junk food, high fat meats, etc., result in fat deposition on stomach. Hence, try to limit these foods in your diet. Make an effort to include healthy foods in your diet. Healthy food and lifestyle choices can only help you get rid of belly fat.