Some people find that no matter how much they work out, they cannot seem to shake lower belly fat. Talk to your doctor about stubborn belly fat that seems unresponsive to diet and exercise. He can evaluate your diet and exercise plan to ensure it contains the right mix of foods, cardiovascular exercise and abdominal toning and strengthening exercises to get rid of stubborn belly fat.
Significance
According to MayoClinic.com, some people inherit a tendency to gain weight in their bellies as they grow older and their metabolism slows. Childbirth can also cause a bulging lower abdomen, as can hormones during menopause. If your belly fat fails to respond to diet and exercise, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests surgical options, such as laser or traditional liposuction to remove localized belly fat and resculpt your abdomen.
Considerations
Trainer Nikki Kimbrough of Bally Total Fitness, in an article on the CBS Early Show website, stresses that you will not be successful in losing stubborn belly fat if you do not focus on diet and nutrition at the same time. She recommends targeting belly fat by incorporating 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, cycling or brisk walking, into your workout three to four times a week. Kimbrough suggests that eating five or six small meals -- full of fiber-rich foods like leafy green vegetables -- every two to three hours can aid your weight loss efforts.
Misconceptions
Although some people think adding a few crunches or other abdominal exercises into their daily routine will give them a flat belly, Kimbrough emphasizes that these exercises alone will not trim a waistline. Abdominal exercises can make your abs stronger, but Kimbrough stresses that you need cardiovascular exercise and a diet plan to shed belly fat.
Warning
Surgical options, such as traditional liposuction or laser liposuction, can help you get rid of stubborn belly fat, but the American Academy of Dermatology cautions that these surgical procedures are not without potential side effects, including infection, loose skin and excessive bleeding. After the procedure, you might experience bruising, bleeding and swelling that necessitate downtime while you recover.
Potential
If you cannot get rid of your belly fat through a concentrated diet and exercise plan, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that non-invasive technologies, including the use of ultrasound waves to target and destroy fat and cryolypolysis -- a process that freezes fat cells, might help get rid of localized fat stores without the risks of traditional surgical procedures. These technologies work best for individuals near their ideal weight, who eat well and exercise regularly, according to Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, FAAD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, so talk to your doctor to see if they might be right for you.
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