How to get rid of belly fat safely and effectively

The most effective ways to reduce stomach fat, West Malling, Kent

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is a common problem for many people. It not only affects your appearance but also increases your risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively get rid of belly fat. In this blog, we will explore the causes of belly fat, lifestyle habits to adopt, and the most effective treatment options.

What is belly fat?

First of all, it’s crucial to understand what belly fat is before discussing how to shed it effectively. Belly fat, also referred to as abdominal fat, is the layer of subcutaneous fat located around the waist area. It serves as a reserve of energy and protects and insulates the internal organs whilst providing warmth.

Although small quantities of subcutaneous fat under the skin are normal, it’s the visceral fat that poses the greatest health risks. Visceral fat accumulates around the organs, and excessive amounts of it can lead to severe health issues, such as heart attacks and diabetes.

What causes excessive belly fat?

There are several causes of belly fat, including genetics, age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits. Genetics plays a role in determining where your body stores fat, and if you have a family history of belly fat, you may be more likely to develop it. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and we tend to lose muscle mass, which can lead to an increase in belly fat. Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menopause, can also contribute to belly fat.

How much body fat should you have?

The approach to losing belly fat differs between women and men. Women require a certain amount of belly fat for proper functioning, as fat cells produce oestrogen. Inadequate belly fat can disrupt hormonal balance, resulting in health issues such as irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

It’s advisable to maintain a body fat percentage between 21-30%, which is considered a healthy range for women.

Belly-blasting lifestyle habits to adopt

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective way to get rid of belly fat.

• Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for burning calories and reducing belly fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, every day. Weight training can also be very beneficial. This helps to burn calories and increase muscle mass, which will, in turn, tap into your body’s fat stores.
• Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you lose belly fat. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.
• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase your appetite and lead to weight gain, including belly fat. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which can lead to an increase in belly fat. Practice stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

The most effective treatment options

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure which uses patented Cryolipolysis technology to freeze and permanently destroy stubborn fat cells. The FDA has approved it for treating various areas of the body, and it’s great for tackling stubborn subcutaneous fat on the abdomen.

During treatment, the skin and fat are suctioned into the vacuum applicator, and a targeted cooling process will begin, destroying the fat cells beneath. A gel pad protects the skin, and the surrounding tissues remain unharmed. When the treatment time is up, the practitioner will remove the paddle and massage the frozen fat. This kick-starts your body’s natural process of excreting the fat cells which will pass through the liver over the following weeks.

The Allurion Gastric Balloon

 The Allurion Gastric Balloon is a weight loss treatment that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The device is a soft, expandable balloon that is placed in the stomach through the mouth and filled with saline solution. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which can help people feel full more quickly and eat less.

Clinical trials have shown that the Allurion Gastric Balloon can lead to significant weight loss. In one study, participants lost an average of 14.4 pounds over a 16-week period. Another study found that the balloon led to an average weight loss of 23.1 pounds over six months.

One of the benefits of the Allurion Gastric Balloon is that it is a non-surgical procedure. The balloon is inserted through the mouth, so there is no need for incisions or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and patients can typically return to normal activities the same day.

Ozempic

Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication for treating type 2 diabetes in adults, but more recently, it has been used to aid weight loss. In addition to lowering blood sugar levels and regulating insulin, Ozempic imitates a naturally produced hormone that limits appetite by signalling to our bodies that we feel full and prompting our stomachs to empty more slowly. Food that was once exciting becomes boring and may not taste as nice as it once did. As a result, it becomes much easier to control cravings and adjust portion sizes.

If you struggle with belly fat, treatment options such as CoolSculpting, the Allurion gastric balloon, and Ozempic can be effective solutions. Consult with a medical practitioner to determine the best treatment option for you – click here to book a consultation.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.