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5 Tips to Lose Fat From Your Face, According to an Influencer

Here are her lifestyle tips.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Seychelle_seychellepov1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

You aren’t alone: Lots of people gain weight in their faces. While losing weight all around will likely result in a slimmer face, there are other things you can do to lose fat from your face “if you're trying to lose face fat,” says Seychelle (@seychellepov), a social media influencer and “college girl in NY,” in a viral TikTok clip. Here is what she recommends doing:


@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

Lymphatic Drainage Massages

“So the first really important thing you have to do is you have to start doing lymphatic drainage massages,” she says. “And trust me, I didn't think it worked either.”

“It really helps to get a lot of the toxins and excess fluids out of your face,” she claims. “It's so quick and easy. It takes like two to three minutes to do out of your day, and it makes a hell of a difference.”

@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

Stay in a Calorie Deficit

Nutrition facts. Close-up.Shutterstock

The second “really important thing, and this might seem obvious, but it really helps to lose weight, and it doesn't have to be anything crazy,” she continues. “You don't have to go to the gym five times a week, and you don't have to just eat salads. It can just be, you know, being in a calorie deficit and not eating so much processed sugar,” she says.

And, Eat Less Processed Food

Puffed rice breakfast cereal in a wooden bowl with juice and a milk jugShutterstock

“For example, I did this by eating less cereal and snacks and switching a lot of that out for things like fruit and yogurt,” she continues. “That doesn't mean I don't love a cake or like a donut, but just everything needs to occur in moderation.”

Get More Sleep

Sleeping, woman and bed with nap at home in morning with rest feeling calm with peace. House, bedroom and tired female person relax and comfortable on a pillow with blanket dreaming over the weekendShutterstock

“The third thing I did is get more sleep. Sleeping helps so much with just every bodily function and you need to prioritize getting like seven to eight hours of sleep because you're not gonna be looking your best when you're running on like four to five hours of sleep,” she reveals.

What Are the Health Benefits of Sleep?

Bed, stretching and happy woman waking up in the morning after sleep, rest and relax in her home. Resting, smile and female stretch in her bedroom, content and peaceful, cheerful and comfortableShutterstock

What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Drink More Water

Glass,Of,Iced,Water,At,RestaurantShutterstock

Another thing she did was, “drink so much more water,” she says. “When you have a really swollen face, a lot of times just retaining a lot of water and that comes from being super dehydrated.”

She Drinks 2 to 3 Liters a Day

@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

“Your body's retaining more water because you are not getting enough water. So I try to drink about two to three liters of water every day,” she continues.

Why Is Hydration Important?

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Be Sustainable

Asian young woman looking face skin in the mirror have a red rash on her face from cosmetic allergyShutterstock

“Overall, the big message here is being sustainable,” she concludes. “Don't go too hard on yourself in the beginning, 'cause then you'll burn yourself out. Make small goals that you can reach on a weekly or monthly basis, and I promise you'll see results if you keep at it.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

You aren’t alone: Lots of people gain weight in their faces. While losing weight all around will likely result in a slimmer face, there are other things you can do to lose fat from your face “if you're trying to lose face fat,” says Seychelle (@seychellepov), a social media influencer and “college girl in NY,” in a viral TikTok clip. Here is what she recommends doing:


@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

Lymphatic Drainage Massages

“So the first really important thing you have to do is you have to start doing lymphatic drainage massages,” she says. “And trust me, I didn't think it worked either.”

“It really helps to get a lot of the toxins and excess fluids out of your face,” she claims. “It's so quick and easy. It takes like two to three minutes to do out of your day, and it makes a hell of a difference.”

@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

Stay in a Calorie Deficit

Nutrition facts. Close-up.Shutterstock

The second “really important thing, and this might seem obvious, but it really helps to lose weight, and it doesn't have to be anything crazy,” she continues. “You don't have to go to the gym five times a week, and you don't have to just eat salads. It can just be, you know, being in a calorie deficit and not eating so much processed sugar,” she says.

And, Eat Less Processed Food

Puffed rice breakfast cereal in a wooden bowl with juice and a milk jugShutterstock

“For example, I did this by eating less cereal and snacks and switching a lot of that out for things like fruit and yogurt,” she continues. “That doesn't mean I don't love a cake or like a donut, but just everything needs to occur in moderation.”

Get More Sleep

Sleeping, woman and bed with nap at home in morning with rest feeling calm with peace. House, bedroom and tired female person relax and comfortable on a pillow with blanket dreaming over the weekendShutterstock

“The third thing I did is get more sleep. Sleeping helps so much with just every bodily function and you need to prioritize getting like seven to eight hours of sleep because you're not gonna be looking your best when you're running on like four to five hours of sleep,” she reveals.

What Are the Health Benefits of Sleep?

Bed, stretching and happy woman waking up in the morning after sleep, rest and relax in her home. Resting, smile and female stretch in her bedroom, content and peaceful, cheerful and comfortableShutterstock

What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Drink More Water

Glass,Of,Iced,Water,At,RestaurantShutterstock

Another thing she did was, “drink so much more water,” she says. “When you have a really swollen face, a lot of times just retaining a lot of water and that comes from being super dehydrated.”

She Drinks 2 to 3 Liters a Day

@seychellepov

Visit TikTok to discover videos!

“Your body's retaining more water because you are not getting enough water. So I try to drink about two to three liters of water every day,” she continues.

Why Is Hydration Important?

Water dispenser from dispenser of home fridge, Woman is filling a glass with water from the refrigerator.Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Be Sustainable

Asian young woman looking face skin in the mirror have a red rash on her face from cosmetic allergyShutterstock

“Overall, the big message here is being sustainable,” she concludes. “Don't go too hard on yourself in the beginning, 'cause then you'll burn yourself out. Make small goals that you can reach on a weekly or monthly basis, and I promise you'll see results if you keep at it.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Chanel Delisser is flaunting her six-pack. In a new social media post the influencer and fitness guru shows off her famous figure in a number of ab-baring outfits. “Transformation begins outside of your comfort zone,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “PurrrFection 🔥🥊🎯🎤” commented one of her followers. “That girl 🔥❤️” commented another. How does Chanel keep her body chiseled? Body Network has all the details on how she burns fat and stays fit.


1. Do These 6 Things to Shed Fat

According to Chanel, if you do a few things for 30 days you can shed fat fast.

  • NO alcohol
  • NO fast food/ processed foods
  • NO sweets/ sugars
  • NO soda or juice
  • Increase water intake
  • Do any form of cardio at least 3x/week

2. This Is Her 20-Minute Stairmaster Routine

In another post, Chanel revealed a “20 Minute Stairmaster routine” that helps burn fat.

  1. Steady pace… 12 minutes (level 6 - 7)
  2. As fast as you can… 2 minutes (level 10 - 12)
  3. Skip a step… 2 minutes (level 3 - 4)
  4. Side steps … 2 minutes each side (level 6 - 7)

Related: 5 Foods to Ditch for Fat Loss, Says Weight Loss Coach

3. Discipline and Consistency

According to Chanel, getting in shape boils down to a few simple habits. “Discipline leads to habits. Habits lead to consistency. Consistency leads to growth!”

4. Here Is What Chanel Eats in a Day

Chanel recently detailed her diet in an Instagram video. For breakfast she eats oatmeal with granola, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and unsweetened coconut flakes. Then she has a GNC meal replacement shake. Lunch is a chicken salad, followed by a fruit bowl for a mid-afternoon snack. For dinner she has shrimp, brown rice, and broccolini.

Related: The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake I Made, and What I Did Instead to Lose 60 Pounds

5. More Healthy Habits

In another post, she offered a few simple suggestions on how to stay on track – even during the holidays. 
”Schedule your workouts into your daily routine so that you’re less likely to skip it,” she suggested. “Stick to your workout routine and increase hydration by drinking more water,” she added. “Prioritize at least 30 minutes of movement daily (i.e. walking, running, weight lifting, etc.),” and finally she said to “prioritize sleep.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Doing a little bit of work ahead of time – by scheduling workouts, planning your diet, and setting hydration goals – will help you stay accountable and create healthy habits that are easy to incorporate into your life. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Maci Parry, who goes by the TikTok handle @moveswithmacy, is an inspirational weight loss influencer and online fitness coach who lost a whopping 55 pounds in just one year. The majority of her videos highlight the life changes she made to achieve her fitness goals and she regularly shares jaw-dropping before and after photos and videos. The Body Network has rounded up her top 5 weight loss tips to become “unrecognizable.”


1. Hot Girl Walks

Maci_Parry_splitmoveswithmaci/Instagram

In a recent video she revealed that there were five daily habits she integrated into her life to lose weight and become “happier, healthy.” The first habit? “Hot girl walks,” she revealed. “Girl, you don't have to get your a** in the gym every single day of the week. Every single time you go on a hot girl walk, you can burn an extra 2, 3, 400 calories every day,” she points out. “Walking is so underrated. Get yourself outside.” The Mayo Clinic endorses regular brisk walking, agreeing that it can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve muscle endurance, increase energy levels, improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep, improve your balance and coordination, strengthen immune system, and reduce stress and tension. One 12-week study found that walking for 50–70 minutes 3 times per week reduced body fat and waist circumference by an average of 1.5% and 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) in obese women.

Related: 3 Proven Methods to Get the Body You Want in 2024

2. Up Your Protein Intake

Raw,Tuna,Fillet,Dill,,Lemon,And,Cherry,Tomatoes,fish,food,proteinShutterstock

Next, she suggests upping your protein intake. “Girl, you want to be working out your daily protein goal that suits you,” she exclaims. “You need to multiply your weight in kilograms times 2.2. Do that little sum. That is the amount of protein in grams you should be eating every single day. Start making that a priority.” According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

3. Cut Out Liquid Calories (AKA Alcohol)

Friends,Partying,Nightclub,,Toasting,Drinks,girls,pub, alcohol, bar, cocktailsShutterstock

“I'm not saying you can never, ever drink again, but to become unrecognizable, lowering and cutting out some of that alcohol intake is key,” explains Maci. Not only by cutting out some of those liquid calories are you going to see a difference in your physical body, but your mind, your soul, the way you act, and how you feel is going to transform immensely.”

Related: Influencers' Top 10 Foods For Weight Loss

4. Hydrate

Glass,Tap,Water,Faucet,Kitchen,drinkShutterstock

And, “drink more water, two to three liters per day,” Maci recommends. “I don't need to explain to you the benefits of drinking water. There's a thousand. Just start increasing it.” According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues. How much should you drink? While it depends on a variety of factors, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids.

Related: I Ditched the Gym for Pilates & Walking to Achieve the Dream Body I Love

5. Improve Gut Health

gut,tummy,health,Woman,Holds,Intestines,In,Her,Palms.,Gastrointestinal,Tract.,Intestinal,TractShutterstock

Lastly, “take your gut health seriously,” she says. “We want to be getting those antioxidants, prebiotics, superfoods in our diet.” She recommends starting with a “good greens” drink. “Personally, I love OxyGreens. It does the job. It reduces bloating. It reduces inflammation all over gut health. Happy gut, happy self,” she says.

@moveswithmaci

5 daily habits to become unrecognisable 🤍 #gymgirl #glowup #glowupforreal #glowuptips #glowups #glowups #gymgirls #weightloss #weightlosstips #transformation #transformationbody #weightlossmotivation #glowupchallenge #mindsetshift

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking for less than an hour, three times a week, is a great, science-backed way to lose weight and improve your overall health.

Louise_Rodhouse_LouisesJourneyxo33
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Struggling with stubborn belly fat? You're not alone. Louise Rodhouse, a 29-year-old mum-of-two from Slough, United Kingdom, knows the frustration all too well. But she's living proof that transformation is possible. Starting at 269 pounds in January 2020, Louise lost an incredible 120 pounds in just 14 months, going from a size 22 to a size 8. Now, she's sharing her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.


Debunking Quick-Fix Myths

Louise doesn't sugarcoat it: "I'm going to tell you something that you probably might not want to hear." In her post, she explains that there's no magic waist trainer, specific exercise, pill, or cream that will melt away belly fat. "The secret is there's no secret apart from eating in a calorie deficit," she states. This means consuming fewer calories than your body burns each day.

The Risks of Rapid Fat Loss

Colette Micko, MS, RDN, CDES of Top Nutrition Coaching, adds: "There are many potential risks of trying to lose body fat too quickly, and most are associated with extreme measures of calorie restriction such as fasting and/or very low-calorie diets."

The Truth About Spot Reduction

"You cannot spot reduce fat no matter what anyone tells you online," Louise underlines. She notes that genetics play a role in where your body stores and loses fat. "For me, I notice that when I start to lose body fat, I lose it on my upper body first... and then it gradually comes down." She adds, "With my lower stomach, obviously I had the apron belly... that was literally one of the last places my body fat went from."

RELATED: I Replaced These 10 “Clean” Foods and I’ve Never Looked Better

Beyond the Scale: Measuring Body Fat

Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC, explains: "Measuring body fat percentage can be more helpful in assessing health than weight alone. This is because muscle weighs more than fat, therefore affecting overall weight, even if an individual is very healthy." You can benchmark your progress with this useful Lean Body Mass Calculator.

Finding Your Calorie Sweet Spot

To lose weight, Louise recommends finding your maintenance calorie level and reducing it by 250-500 calories. She suggests using apps like MyFitnessPal or online calculators like TDEE calculator.net to determine your calorie needs. "The bigger deficit you are in, the less sustainable it is because the more hungry you're going to be," she warns, advocating for a slow and steady approach.

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals

Jordan Hill, MCD, RD, CSSD, supports this approach: "In general, a 0.5-2 lbs loss/week is considered safe and sustainable. Some folks may lose a little more or less on any given week though. It's important to remember that weight loss is not linear and often times a person's weight will fluctuate up and down throughout their weight loss journey."

Nutrition: The Foundation of Fat Loss

While a calorie deficit is key, Louise stresses the importance of nutrition: "When you lose weight, you want to focus on your health, and the best way to do it is to prioritize whole foods, healthy foods, fruits, vegetables." She recommends aiming for 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight and not fearing fruits, stating, "Fruits are fruits, they've got nutrients, eat damn fruits."

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and Here Are 19 Protein Truths You Need to Hear

The Power of Plant-Based Foods

Megan Hilbert, MS, RDN, adds: "Eating more plant based foods (nuts/seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc.) can also help promote weight loss due to the fiber and phytonutrient content that helps increase satiety and influence our metabolism through the gut microbiome."

Simple Movement: A Game Changer

Louise underlines the power of simple movement: "Walking is really good to lose weight, literally just increasing the amount you walk, you'll be surprised at how much that helps." She suggests starting with a 30-minute daily walk and gradually increasing activity levels.

Balancing Cardio and Strength Training

Hilbert expands on this: "For the fastest, healthy fat loss it's important to incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity in, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity in a week. This, plus strength training around 3 times a week is a good balance, as added muscle mass helps to burn fat and increase metabolic output even while in a rested state."

RELATED: 4 Ab Exercises I Swear By for a Flatter Stomach After 40

The Long Game: Patience in Fat Loss

"You just need to stick to it as long as possible for your body to lose the body fat around your stomach," Louise advises. She reminds readers that the process can take time: "It could take a year or two years, it could take a very long time depending on how much body fat you have to lose."

Embracing Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Annette Snyder, MS, RD, CSOWM, LD, underlines: "Slower, long-term work includes a focus on building in lifestyle changes and addressing any challenging thoughts about food and body. You learn to work with your body instead of against it. It's easier to adapt to and maintain vs something very intense for a short time."

The X-Frame: Sculpting Your Physique

For those seeking a more dramatic waist-to-hip ratio, Louise shares a bodybuilding secret: "Build muscle in your back like your lats and your shoulders... also build up your legs and your glutes." This creates an "X-frame" that can make your waist appear smaller in comparison.

Sleep and Hydration: Unsung Heroes of Fat Loss

Pelitera notes: "Poor sleep habits have been linked with an increase in overall energy intake and a decrease in metabolism. These two aspects alone are going to make achieving fat loss at any rate more difficult."

RELATED: 5 Foods Have More Fiber Than Oatmeal, According to Dave Asprey

The Takeaway: Sustainable Success

Louise's journey proves that with dedication, patience, and the right approach, significant weight loss – including stubborn belly fat – is achievable. As she puts it, "Slow steady wins the race. You've got this guys, it will eventually go." Remember, it's not about quick fixes, but sustainable, health-focused changes that lead to lasting results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Hailey Gorski (@thetipsykale_dietician) is an LA-based dietician and social media influencer whose goal is to help women take a “holistic” approach to diet and weight loss. In one of her many viral videos, she reveals a few easy ways to get back into shape for summer, using one of her client’s quick transformations as an example. According to Hailey, she made a “real change” to her lifestyle, “which is habits and a better relationship with food,” she said. “So here's how she really made this transformation in just one month.”


Try Lower Calorie Cocktails

@thetipsykale_dietitian

Holistic Girl Summer is the new Hot Girl Summer 😌💅🏻 #dietitian #weightloss #weightlosstips #nutritioncoach

According to Hailey, her client didn’t have to “cut out alcohol and miss out on her best friend's bachelor party.” Instead, “she enjoyed one to two finer cocktails and switched to a lower calorie, lower sugar option,” she said. While still tracking her nutrition progress, she felt confident. She didn't feel like she deprived herself, and she didn't feel guilty.”

Educate Yourself on Nutrition

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician2thetipsykale_dietitian/Instagram

“Did she obsessively track calories on MyFitnessPal? Nope. She tracked when she could so she could establish awareness around what she's eating to learn more about calorie density and different foods but also understand her snacking was intentional and unintentional,” Hailey continues.

Related: I Added These Simple Things to My Walking and Pilates Routine And Now I See a Difference

Take Progress Photos

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician1thetipsykale_dietitian/TikTok

You don’t need to weigh yourself daily. Instead of “using the number on the scale as her only metric of success,” Hailey’s client “also used progress photos,” she says.

Eat in a “Moderate Calorie Deficit”

Counting calories, different food with written quantity of calories, diet concept.Shutterstock

Finally, her clients didn’t starve themselves. “She focused on a moderate calorie deficit, not subtracting from her diet, but adding in foods like protein and high fiber, carbs and fruit,” she says.

Choose Weight Loss Programs “Tailored to You”

Hailey_Gorski_thetipsykale_dietician4thetipsykale_dietitian/Instagram

“The weight loss industry has created a stigma around weight loss,” Hailey concludes. “As a dietician, there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, as long as you have a healthy intention, are seeking programs that are tailored to you, and that will improve your relationship with your food and your body.”

Related: #1 Hack to Make Maintaining Your Weight Loss Easy, According to Nutritionist

These Are “Sustainable Choices,” an Expert Agrees

tara_collingwooddietdivatara/Instagram

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, is totally on board with her suggestions. “These are all excellent changes and are all sustainable choices,” she tells Body Network. “It proves that you don’t need to do drastic diets or intense workouts to still make a difference and get results.”

💪🔥Body Booster: The most important thing to focus on when losing weight is staying in a caloric deficit. Use an online calculator to determine how much you can eat with your activity level and still lose weight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr. Eric Berg DC
Copyright Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Does your tongue have a persistent white coating? Or maybe you've noticed your skin becoming more wrinkled lately? These could be unexpected signs that you're consuming too much sugar. Dr. Eric Berg DC, a leading authority on nutrition and healthy weight loss, has helped millions understand the hidden dangers of excessive sugar consumption. With over 13 million YouTube subscribers and multiple bestselling books, Dr. Berg breaks down the surprising signals your body sends when sugar intake is too high. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these seven warning signs.

Before We Start What Counts as Sugar

"I need to clarify exactly what sugar is and the difference between a sugar and a carbohydrate," Dr. Berg says in his post, explaining that many people misunderstand the relationship between complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and sugars. He reveals that carbohydrates consist of three components: sugar, fiber, and starch – with starch being a hidden form of sugar many overlook.

The Surprising Truth About Starch

Midsection of young woman using glucometer to check blood sugar level at homeShutterstock

"Starch is sugar," Dr. Berg states plainly. He explains that starch is simply multiple sugar molecules connected together, scientifically called polysaccharides. Even more concerning, some modified starches like maltodextrin can spike blood sugar levels to 185 on the glycemic index – dramatically higher than table sugar at 65.

Sign 1 Unexplained High Adrenaline

Sleep disorder, insomnia. Young blonde woman lying on the bed awake

Shutterstock

The most surprising sign of excessive sugar consumption, according to Dr. Berg, is elevated adrenaline levels. "Too much sugar damages the cell's ability to make energy in the mitochondria," he explains. This leads to increased adrenaline production, causing nervous energy, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Sign 2 Frequent Infections

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.Shutterstock

"Having too much sugar will weaken your immune system to the point where you're more vulnerable to acquire an infection," Dr. Berg warns. This reduced immunity makes you more susceptible to various types of infections.

Sign 3 Low Testosterone Levels

Beautiful couple is having sex in bed at homeShutterstock

"Sugar will lower testosterone," Dr. Berg reveals. This reduction can lead to multiple issues, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty building muscle, as testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development.

Sign 4 Bleeding Gums

Toothache,,Pain,And,Sensitive,Teeth,With,A,Woman,Brushing,dental,dentist,tooth teethShutterstock

If you see pink in your toothbrush after brushing, pay attention. Dr. Berg explains this could indicate a mild form of scurvy, showing vitamin C deficiency. "When you eat sugar, you block vitamin C and one place that it shows up is in your gums," he notes.

Sign 5 Chronic Sinus Problems

Close up portrait of an attractive man with eyeglasses. Poor young guy has eyesight problems. He is rubbing his nose and eyes because of wearinessShutterstock

"Most chronic sinus problems are a fungus called aspergillus," Dr. Berg explains. This microorganism feeds on sugar, making it nearly impossible to resolve chronic sinus infections without eliminating sugar from your diet.

Sign 6 Persistent White Tongue

Female tongue with a white plaque. Cropped shot of a young woman showing tongue isolated on a white background. Digestive tract disease, organ dysfunction, poor oral hygiene, fungal infections

Shutterstock

A chronic white tongue coating could indicate candida overgrowth. "I do not think you can get rid of this candida without eliminating sugar from the diet because it loves these simple sugars," Dr. Berg emphasizes.

Sign 7 Premature Aging

Anti-Wrinkle Skin Care. Sad Woman Looking In Mirror, Touching Her FaceShutterstock

"When you consume too much sugar, you're going to produce less collagen," Dr. Berg warns. This reduction in collagen production manifests as loose, more wrinkled skin, leading to premature aging.

Taking Action Against Hidden Sugars

Mindfulness,Woman,Breathing,Fresh,Air,happyShutterstock

Recognizing these signs is crucial for taking control of your health. Dr. Berg's insights reveal how sugar affects multiple body systems, from hormones to immune function. By paying attention to these warning signs and reducing sugar intake – including hidden sources like modified starches – you can start improving your health today. Remember, awareness is the first step toward positive change, and even small reductions in sugar consumption can lead to significant health improvements. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

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Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean
Copyright drkateld/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you feel constantly stressed, struggle with stubborn weight, or deal with unexplained fatigue? Your cortisol levels might be working against you. This stress hormone can be both friend and foe—supporting vital functions when balanced but causing havoc when chronically elevated. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, a Functional Medicine Healthcare Provider, explains that high cortisol doesn't just come from mental stress: "It's not just mental and emotional stress that triggers the release of cortisol. Physical stressors like infections, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, and more can raise it too." Here are five science-based strategies to help you restore balance and feel better naturally.

This Is How Cortisol Affects Your Body

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand what high cortisol does to your body. "When cortisol stays too high for too long, it raises blood glucose, keeps you in fat storage mode instead of fat loss mode, and blocks the calming and helpful progesterone that can lead to estrogen dominance over time," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains in her post. This understanding helps explain why managing cortisol is crucial for overall health.

Recognize the Warning Signs

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According to Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, chronically high cortisol manifests in various ways: "It makes a mess of our immune systems, your circadian rhythm and your metabolism. Not to mention chronically high cortisol causes symptoms of anxiety and depression, chronic fatigue and pain, heart palpitations, stress hives, and general misery at high levels." Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing the problem.

Balance Blood Sugar With Smart Food Choices

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"Since cortisol is released in response to blood sugar spikes and crashes, eating foods that encourage steady blood sugar levels helps to reduce cortisol," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains. She recommends focusing on protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which act as "extended release nutrition" by slowing down the breakdown and absorption of fuel. This natural approach helps level out the spikes and crashes typically caused by processed carbs and sugary foods.

Rethink Your Relationship With Caffeine

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While that morning coffee might feel essential, it could be working against you. "Caffeine directly causes adrenal cells to make more cortisol as well as other stress hormones, which creates a cycle of physical chronic stress and dependence on caffeine," warns Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She suggests reducing intake or temporarily eliminating caffeine to break the cortisol spiral, especially if you're experiencing morning grogginess and difficulty concentrating.

Add High-Quality Fish Oil Supplements

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The right supplements can make a significant difference. "Fish oil has been shown to lower cortisol, reduce overall inflammation, and help support healthy neurotransmitter function," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean shares. However, she emphasizes the importance of quality: "Be careful about sourcing on this, both for fatty fish that you eat and fish oil supplements, as toxins and heavy metals tend to accumulate in fat."

Replenish Stress-Depleted Vitamins

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Chronic stress creates a hidden nutritional deficit. "Excess stress can cause you to excrete magnesium leading to problems with bone density, muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems," explains Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She notes that stress also depletes several B vitamins, potentially causing neurologic symptoms, low energy, and hormone dysfunction. Regular testing can help identify and address these deficiencies.

Harness the Power of Adaptogenic Herbs

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Adaptogens offer a natural approach to stress management. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean highlights several effective options: "Panax Ginseng is a well-established cortisol manager. Ashwagandha is not only calming but also energizing. Rhodiola acts upstream on the brain to improve mental function, decrease overwhelm, and lower high perception of stress." However, she emphasizes that quality and proper dosing are crucial for seeing results.

Monitor Your Progress Through Testing

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Dr. Lyzenga-Dean emphasizes the importance of proper testing: "Unfortunately, most doctors don't or won't test for these [nutrient levels], but that testing is surprisingly accessible." Consider working with a functional medicine provider who can help monitor your cortisol levels and related markers to ensure your interventions are working effectively.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

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While these strategies can be implemented on your own, some situations require professional guidance. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes that complex cases involving multiple symptoms or long-standing issues may benefit from personalized attention and monitoring. This ensures you're addressing your specific needs and circumstances effectively.

Maintain Long-Term Success

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Understanding cortisol's dual nature helps explain its impact on your health. As Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes, "When cortisol is balanced and being produced at appropriate times and amounts, it's our friend. It activates our immune system, plays an important role in the sleep cycle, and quenches inflammation." The key is maintaining this balance through consistent application of these strategies while monitoring your body's response and adjusting as needed. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.