Why Do I Have Belly Fat Even Though I Exercise?
It is very difficult to lose belly fat. In all honesty, no matter how religiously you exercise or strictly watch your diet, belly fat tends to remain on your body, seemingly refusing to leave.
It only gets more difficult as you age and your metabolism slows down. When faced with these sobering doses of reality, it might be time for you to consider something beyond exercising and dieting. It might be time to consider getting a surgical procedure to get rid of that belly fat.
Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Belly Fat
You need to face facts. There are some solid reasons why that belly fat continues to stick to your body. Some are beyond your control while others can be addressed through some changes in the choices you make.
- You just love food (even the wrong ones)
Unhealthy or and excess eating is a major contributing factor. Starchy carbohydrates and bad fats can only ruin any plans you may have of reducing your midsection. You should instead be consuming more vegetables and lean proteins while staying away from fat present in red meat. There are healthier fats in fish, nuts, and avocados so those are better options for you. Also, cutting down just a little bit on sugars, pasta, and grains can help in your weight loss journey. - Not exercising enough or doing the wrong exercise
Even moderate physical activity like walking several times a week count as exercise. Vigorous running and strength training won’t just burn fat, they will also help you feel better about yourself. High intensity training can help build muscle on top of burning more calories. Consult with a doctor or trainer before starting any exercise program but when you do, make it a habit and commit yourself to being consistent. - Lack of hydration
You might have heard that people are encouraged to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Studies have shown that drinking water can help you lose weight. Simply choosing water over sweetened drinks means absorbing fewer calories while also helping you trim belly fat. After all, water can help you hydrate without introducing sugars or other compounds into your system. - Genetics
This is a cold, hard truth for many to deal with. Genetics plays a part in developing obesity as well as fat deposition in the body. That’s not to say that you can’t battle it. In spite of your genes, finding a balance between the calories you take in and the calories you burn can help you burn more calories while achieving weight loss.
How to Lose Your Belly Fat
Exercising properly
If you want to kill two birds with one stone by burning fat and simultaneously build muscle, you should try engaging in strength training. Having more muscles leads to burning more calories even when your body is at rest.
Another way to burn fat is by adding cardio to your weekly workout. Limit your cardio sessions to 30 minutes or less because too much steady-state cardio can burn both fat and muscle.
Proper diet
Exercising is great but if you’re not eating properly and avoiding fatty food, then don’t expect the amount of fat in your body to go down considerably. Processed foods aren’t just unhealthy for you, but they can even lead to heart disease or other illness.
Instead, you should consume more vegetables, which are essential in the best fat-burning diets. Most non-starchy vegetables provide few calories while loading you with good nutrition. Micronutrients in vegetables help control appetite while keeping your metabolism healthy.
Plastic Surgery Options
If you find that following a healthy diet and exercise are not enough to get rid of that persistent body fat, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider your plastic surgery options. Here are a few:
- Liposuction – is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific body areas. Liposuction is usually done on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, or neck.
- Abdominal etching – also known as liposculpture, abdominal etching attempts to contour and showcase the abdominal muscles, creating a six-pack almost overnight.
- Tummy Tuck – also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin. It involves tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall.
How To Maintain The Results Of Your Belly Procedure
No matter how successful the surgical procedure that you choose to undergo, it won’t be as effective without a healthy lifestyle. Getting surgery will help shave off that fat but it also means you’re going to have to make some lifestyle changes to keep it off.
While it’s good news that you’ve taken this challenge, you’ll have to maintain a strict diet and exercise routine to ensure that you stay at a healthy weight after surgery. Only then you can truly say that your surgery was successful.
Flattening Your Belly At Memorial Plastic Surgery
Memorial Plastic Surgery has board-certified plastic surgeons with the expertise and skill to flatten your belly. With a variety of plastic surgery options offered and offices in Houston and Clear Lake, we can make your dreams of washboard abs a reality. So give us a call and say goodbye to that belly fat!
*This blog is created and maintained for informational purposes only. The images present may not accurately reflect actual cases per individual. Individual cases are unique, and the descriptions and solutions will vary per patient.
