When guys gain weight, excess calories that aren't burned in activity get stored as fat in the belly first. As a man's weight increases, fat spreads throughout middle of his body and then more fat is stored in his thighs, upper arms and peripheral areas. A waist size of 40 inches or greater in men carries increased risk of heart disease.
Significance
Motivation to lose weight may come from concerns about appearance -- that spare tire hanging over the belt, the double chin, the "man-boobs." Although the thought of losing weight may seem discouraging, guys often see fairly quick results once they make a commitment to weight loss. Because peripheral fat burns off before central body fat in men, your face and arms slim down first, then your thighs, then your rear and middle.
Misconceptions
You can't spot reduce the fat you want to get rid of, reports INShape Indiana's "Ask the Trainer" website. Despite persistent myths that it is possible to get a flat belly by doing endless sit-ups, weight loss doesn't work that way. No amount of targeted exercise will make you lose fat from the area you want to lose it ahead of more recent fat deposits. Training your abdominal muscles will eventually lead to a firmer midsection -- but not until you burn off the excess fat.
Benefits
Although it won't influence where you lose weight first, increasing exercise to lose weight reduces stress, which can help you maintain a reduced-calorie diet. Regular exercise also improves your strength and stamina, allowing you to accomplish more in your day without becoming as tired. Even a relatively small weight loss, such as 10 lbs., will help how your clothes fit and improve how you feel. Because guys lose weight first in the upper body and other peripheral areas, including the face, your weight loss is noticeable right away.
Tips
Toning your muscles and paying attention to your posture helps you to appear slimmer as you lose weight. Lifting weights to build your arm muscles allows you to show off your biceps and take advantage of losing arm fat first. Dressing all in one color, including a belt in the same color as your pants and shirt, helps to minimize the appearance of belly fat as you lose weight. Wearing clothes that fit helps you to present a better image and draw less attention to your weight.
Considerations
While it may be disappointing to lose weight in the face, neck and upper body first, the initial weight loss will help to boost your confidence to continue your diet and exercise efforts. There isn't any way around the tendency for the body to shed the first fat you gained last -- and in men, that's belly fat, Joslin Diabetes Center's website confirms. Although belly fat won't come off first, exercises designed to train specific areas help tone and strengthen those muscles. Crunches strengthen the muscles that support your internal organs, helping to give the body a natural girdle.
Consult a doctor about any medical concerns.
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