Can I Reduce Only Belly Fat?

Q. Is it possible to reduce only the belly area only without becoming skinny everywhere else by completely dieting?

A. Fat stored under the abdominal muscles and around intestines and organs contributes to pushing out the abdominal muscles and fat, causing the pop belly. Despite what you see advertised on TV and in magazines, there is no such thing as spot reduction. Genetics, gender, hormones, and age are the major factors that determine the pattern of fat storage and its loss. To reduce fat in any one area of the body requires total body fat reduction. For many men and women, the first place to gain and the last place to lose fat is the tummy. Such exercises as sit-ups, crunches, hip and leg raises only exercises muscles beneath fat.

It is important to keep your metabolism going and to give your body a somewhat steady supply of calories. Skipping a meal will lead your body to think, "uh-oh. I wonder where and when the next meal is happening" and your metabolism will slow as well as your body hoarding supplies.

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