What is belly fat?
Belly fat is fat that is stored in the abdominal region. There are two types, with one being visceral fat.[1] It is different from other types of fat, such as subcutaneous fat, which is found just beneath the skin.[2] Visceral fat is located deeper within your body, even between certain organs found right beside your abdomen.[3] A study shows it may be more resistant to fasting and diets.[4]
Before you find answers to questions such as ‘How to lose belly fat for men?’ or ‘How to burn belly fat for men?’ you must first understand the relationship between this type of fat and the rest of your body.
An excess amount of belly fat can put your health at risk. Studies have found that belly fat leads to a number of serious complications, including high plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance, and much more.[5]
This then disturbs the balance you have within your body, causing you to not only gain a few kilos and appear bloated in the abdominal region but also feel unwell when you go about your daily tasks or engage in physical activity.
What causes belly fat in men?
When it comes to the question ‘How to lose belly fat for men?’ learning about the specific causes can shed some light on your unique situation.
There are several reasons why people tend to accumulate belly fat. One reason is that as people age, they tend to lose muscle mass.[6] Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, so as people lose muscle, their metabolism slows down.[7] This can lead to weight gain, especially around the midsection.
Another reason for accumulating belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. People who don’t get enough exercise tend to have more fat around their waist. This is because they don’t burn as many calories, and their bodies are more efficient at storing fat.[8]
Finally, diet plays a role in belly fat accumulation. Eating foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients can lead to an increased risk of obesity,[9] especially if those foods are also high in fat. For example, a diet that is high in processed foods, such as fast food, can lead to belly fat gain. Without a decent amount of lean muscle, you won’t be able to burn calories to cut stomach fat efficiently.[10]
It is also important to remember that there are many more factors to take into consideration when understanding how to lose belly fat for men or how to lose fat in general. That’s why here at Mosh, we ask all of our patients to answer a quick online questionnaire about their medical history.
Afterwards, we’ll be able to assess their background and lifestyle, ultimately coming up with personalised advice they can easily follow, or perhaps even a medical treatment plan or weight loss shakes if needed.
Join us at Mosh today and receive expert advice from our AHPRA-registered doctors!
Is it harder for men to lose belly fat?
The truth is that the question ‘How to lose belly fat for men?’ has a number of factors at play. For example, some people may have a genetic predisposition to carrying more weight in their midsection, while others may find it easier to lose weight in general. Additionally, your lifestyle choices and overall activity level can play a role in how easy or difficult it is to lose belly fat.
However, some research does suggest that men tend to gain more belly fat (abdominal visceral fat) compared to women who haven’t experienced menopause.[11] On the other hand, other studies also state that men can lose more visceral fat in a controlled environment.[12]
So, if you find yourself wanting to sift through similar pieces of information to get a better understanding of how to reduce belly fat, why don’t you just make it easier on yourself by consulting our doctors at Mosh? The best part is that we’ll always go at a pace that suits you, and you’ll have the final say.
Just navigate our online telehealth platform and be closer to getting comprehensive recommendations from our compassionate team. Join us today and get advice on your specific situation through text messages, phone calls, or private video conferencing.
Will dieting be enough to get rid of belly fat?
As someone who’s keen on ‘How to lose belly fat for men?’ chances are that you’re wondering if dieting alone can solve the issue at hand. If that’s the case, then you’d be pleased to know that exercise is not a strict requirement for belly fat loss.
Weight loss can be achieved through a healthy diet with the appropriate nutrition. Just keep in mind that incorporating exercise with a healthy diet does still have some great benefits, especially if you also want to lose some subcutaneous fat, the layer right underneath your skin.
What are the common steps to lose weight?
To learn how to lose belly fat for men in an efficient manner, you need to make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. Cutting calories alone may be enough, but if you incorporate physical activity into your routine, then you may get to your goals faster.
Food and diet
Knowing which foods are high in fat can be useful, as you’ll be able to avoid them as much as possible or eat them in moderation. On top of that, some additional tips to lose weight and belly fat would be to balance your other macronutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) while being in a calorie deficit.[13]
Exercise
As mentioned, burning belly fat can also be sped up by having a suitable workout regimen you can commit to. Aside from this, knowing how to exercise to lose weight can also help you lower your risks for complications like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.[14]
Evidence-based treatments
Lastly, if you opt for our online health service, we can recommend a personalised treatment plan. This will be prescribed only if necessary, and you can rest assured that it’ll be based on our doctor’s feedback and your unique medical history.
Learn how to lose belly fat for men, and join us today at Mosh. Allow us to guide you through your health journey and perhaps even send your prescribed treatment through our convenient subscription service.