Many people have the illusion that they can perform exercises that will remove unwanted fat from specific areas of their body. Unfortunately, this doesn't work. It's impossible to perform, for example, abdominal exercises and expect to lose fat from the stomach area. Fat loss comes from the entire body. Sadly, though, this myth is helps to promote gimmicks and fads to millions of unsuspecting consumers. A little education lets us take control of our own weight loss plans.
How Do We Store Fat?
When we take in more calories than we burn, any excess carbohydrate, protein, and fat--which are not needed for energy, cell repair or normal biological functions--get stored in the fat cells of the body. We all store fat in different areas: Men typically store fat around the middle, while most women tend to be heavier in the hips and thighs. This is mostly genetic, so it's impossible to control where we gain and lose fat.
How Do We Lose Fat?
The body's preferred source of energy during activity is carbohydrate. However, during normal daily pursuits like work, shuffling the kids around, or walking the dog, we burn a combination of stored carbohydrate (glycogen) and fat. The ratios of carbohydrate to fat burning will vary depending on the type and intensity of the activity. For instance, when exercise is intense, the body will begin to use more carbohydrate, and with moderate activity, the body burns more fat. Regardless of when and how much fat is burned, though, it is released from all over the body.
First On, Last Off
Excess fat will come off of the entire body through proper exercise and diet, though there is some debate about where fat loss will occur first. Some suggest that the first place you gain fat tends to be the first place it comes off. Just remember that everyone is biologically different, and fat gain and fat loss will be specific to an individual's body type.
The important thing to remember is that spot-reduction doesn't work. Fat loss is an all-or-nothing commitment that takes dedication, consistency and effort. If your goal is to reach a certain weight then be patient as your whole body responds to your efforts. In time the fat will disappear from trouble areas. This is simply the result of an overall, healthy weight-loss plan.
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