Picture this. You’re standing in front of the mirror with a measuring tape in hand. It’s been a few weeks since you have been working out. Back in your mind, you’re expecting to go from 32 to 30 inches. But the measuring tape says your waistline is still 32 inches. You’re disappointed. After all, you did not expect this to happen. You are grunting because you just can’t understand why you’re not losing belly fat.
Trust us, you’re not alone. There’s a crowd of people as frustrated as you are. Belly fat is genuinely difficult to lose. But why is that? It’s relatively easy to lose fat in other sections of the body, but why is fat in the belly so stubborn that it won’t just go?
We’ll be answering that question for you. Keep reading to find out.
The Science Behind Stubborn Belly Fat
First things first, there are two kinds of fatty tissues, the first ones are the inactive ones which do not have any essential role to play in the body. They are relatively easier to lose with moderate or intense exercises. Then there is the other category of fatty tissues that have certain functions to perform. In fact, you can consider them distinct organs. Your belly fat contains the active fatty tissue that releases hormones affecting your health and fat loss journey. Adipose tissue (body fat tissue) contains nerve cells and blood vessels which communicate with other organs in the body through hormone signals. One probable reason why belly fat is difficult to lose.
You must remember that belly fat is more than just a layer of fat. Belly fat also includes visceral fat that surrounds your abdomen and the organs in and surrounding it. It’s the organs’ layer of protection. Hence, it is more likely the last to go. You’re going to lose fat from the less important area, and belly fat comes in the other category. While some proportion of it is healthy, an excess of it is not.
So, what to do then?
Yes, there is no denying that losing belly fat is difficult, in fact, the word difficult is just an understatement. But don’t lose hope yet. It takes dedication and time. So, the last thing you’d want to do is give up. If not belly fat, you must be losing fat from other sections of the body when you’re following a consistent fitness routine and diet plan to maintain that calorie deficit. But you wouldn’t notice. You would simply believe that you’re not losing fat. But you must be without knowing.
It takes months and months of hard work before you see noticeable results. Our emphasis is on the word noticeable. Significant results demand you to be in the fitness regime for the long haul.
While you are at it, ensure that you cut back on sugar. Processed sugar and certain highly processed junk food are the culprits of belly fat you’re struggling to lose.
Sugar precisely because they’re your body’s first preference of fuel. Your body resorts to sugar, instead of fat, to provide you with energy to go about your day. We’re talking about extra processed sugar. Extra sugar means extra calories. When it comes to losing fat, it comes down to extra calories. If you’re taking extra calories, you are not going to lose fat. So, be mindful that your calorie intake is in check and you’re not eating more than your maintenance calories.
Closing thoughts
Failing to lose belly fat after consistent hard work and calorie restriction is indeed disappointing. It’s no consolation but rather an acceptance that belly fat is indeed hard to lose because it is active fat, also called visceral, which surrounds your body organs. Being important for safeguarding your organs, it’s the last to go. Nevertheless, don’t give up just yet. Keep at it, and challenge yourself until you get there. It is not impossible but difficult.
