Whether in the belly or in the thighs, stubborn fat can be perplexing. In an increasingly health-conscious world, many of us have turned to vegetarian and vegan meals to keep fat off our bodies. Some have even resolved to exercise several times per week in the hope of slimming down. However, stubborn fat still seems to cling on!
If you’ve been unable to shed those pounds, you may be surprised by some of the research surrounding stubborn fat. It’s clingy, and it may be caused by factors outside your control. At Vita Aesthetics & Wellness, we regularly provide education and treatment for this issue. Read on to learn the surprising facts surrounding stubborn fat – and, to get it off for good, schedule a non-invasive SculpSure® session here at our Whittier office.
Fact #1: Crunches Alone Don’t Remove Stubborn Fat
It’s only reasonable to assume that the way to remove stubborn belly fat is to exercise the abdominals, right? Actually, research has shown that crunches alone aren’t enough to lose belly fat. The reason is that fat can’t be spot reduced by traditional means!
In order to slim stubborn fat areas, you must create a workout routine that incorporates both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. This means having a blend of cardio and strength training that gets the heart pumping and works out your muscle groups. A 20-minute jog followed by an hour of weight lifting is a good option for losing weight and building muscle.
If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry, we have you covered. Our SculpSure® body contouring device was created to be a supplement to your workout plan. These treatments use non-invasive laser energy to eliminate up to 24% of targeted fat cells per session. This means you can have better and faster results without the need to overexert yourself.
Fact #2: Your Gut Bacteria May Be to Blame
Recent studies surrounding fat retention have unveiled a possible link between microbes in the digestive tract and stubborn fat. Our gut microbiota is mostly determined by what we eat, our lifestyle, and our health. So, it’s no surprise that stubborn belly fat can be partially due to the balance of these bacteria in our systems.
Through these studies, specific nutrients and microbes that were bad for us were linked to an increase in belly fat. Interestingly, the accumulation of these bacteria was not found to be linked to a specific diet. This suggests that changing your diet may not be enough to address the bacteria that are responsible for your stubborn fat.
Based on this, a multifactor approach may be the best way to start shedding those stubborn fat areas. This includes a mix of dietary changes, exercises, and in some cases, aesthetic treatments.
Fact #3: A Yo-yo Diet is Worse Than No Diet at All
A dietary change is a radical lifestyle shift that can take a while for your body to process. The key to a successful diet is starting slow by making incremental changes. Sadly, most people jump straight into their new meal plan without testing the waters first.
This is one of the biggest factors contributing to what’s called a “yo-yo diet.” This is an inconsistent lifestyle change that is abandoned quickly despite being effective. During a diet, people tend to lose weight but gain the weight back when they stop dieting again.
This is a problematic pattern because when you begin a diet initially, your body is likely to lose muscle along with fat (especially if your protein intake isn’t accounted for). Then, when you go back to your old ways and regain the weight, you mostly end up gaining fat. This causes the buildup of stubborn fat in your belly, thighs, buttocks, and other areas. So, it’s better to ease into a diet and stick to it than to diet for a little while with the aim of reaching a specific weight goal.
Fact #4: Hormones Can Cause Stubborn Fat
Stress eating is definitely a thing, but did you know that simply being stressed can cause stubborn fat too? When your stress levels are high, your body releases cortisol. This stress hormone can build up in your blood, leading to the development of visceral belly fat.
Menopause and the hormonal shift that occurs with it is another major cause of fat buildup. Stubborn fat can cling around your hips, abdomen, and buttocks due to a drop in estrogen that occurs during perimenopause and menopause. As your body ceases its child-bearing years, it redistributes midsection fat, creating what is often called a “muffin top.”
Stubborn Fat Can Be Eliminated with SculpSure®
Whether your fat buildup is due to stress, genetics, bacteria, or simple overeating, SculpSure® can help. This device presents a safe, non-invasive way of getting rid of those pockets of stubborn fat that aren’t responding to diet and exercise.
SculpSure® uses laser-light technology to heat fat cells in stubborn areas and eliminate them. A cooling tip simultaneously cools your skin, keeping you comfortable as the machine does its job. If you’re interested in this treatment, schedule your appointment at our Whittier, California, office today by filling out the form below or calling (562) 205-4500.
