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2 Ways to Shed Inches Off Your Waist That "Most Personal Trainers Aren’t Talking About”

Stop focusing on the wrong things.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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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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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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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.

Fitness influencer and online coach Jenna Rizzo claims she has helped hundreds of women “shed inches off their waist without crash dieting.” She regularly shares videos via TikTok and Instagram, offering simple tricks and tips on how to lose weight, get in shape, and transform your body without going to extremes. Recently, Rizzo revealed two surprising tips “what most personal trainers aren’t talking about” that allow you to transform your body.


1. She Was Focusing on the Wrong Things

Jenna_Rizzojennaaaamariee/Instagram

In a viral TikTok video, Rizzo shows off her awe-inspiring body transformation. “It took me a long time to get from point A to point B because I was focusing on the wrong things. I'll tell you the two things you really need to focus on,” she says. “You can make a lot faster progress than me.” The first surprising tip? Don’t speed through exercises. “Slow down your workout routine,” she advises. “A lot of us think doing really long workouts five, six times a week is going to be really good for us, but it actually could be doing more harm than good.” How so? She explains that when you work out, “you're actually creating tears in your muscles.” If you want them to “grow back bigger and stronger,” you “have to give them proper rest,” she explains. “I saw a major difference in my physique when I stopped training six days a week and went down to four.”

Related: This Quick & Easy Two-Minute Workout Tones Your Body Fast

2. Allow Your Muscles to Rest

Tired,Runner,Rest,Running,recover,jogging,exerciseShutterstock

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) agrees. They explain that exercise creates two types of stress on your muscles. The first is metabolic stress, “that comes from depleting the energy stored in individual muscle cells,” and also mechanical stress, “created by physical damage to the structures of muscle proteins.”

“While the body experiences metabolic or mechanical stress during exercise, it’s during the recovery period after the exercise that the body repairs the muscle proteins and replaces the glycogen (stored glucose in liver and muscle tissue) used to fuel the workout,” they say.

How long of a rest should you give your muscles? One small study determined that the ideal rest time is between 48-72 hours for muscles worked.

3. Stop Slashing Your Calories

Healthy,Eating,Food,Low,Carb,Keto,Ketogenic,Diet,Meal,Plan,salmon,avocado,egg, broccoliShutterstock

The next tip has to do with diet. Instead of slashing your calories, “you're going to need to eat more than you think,” she says. “These 1,200 calorie days, low carb diets, intermittent fasting, keto, are all pushed onto women,” Rizzo explains, blasting diet culture.

Related: I Lost 80 Pounds Eating What I Love & Here Are My Simple Tricks

4. Focus on Fueling Your Body

Fitness,Breakfast,running,healthy,eating,saladShutterstock

“Our goal is to get strong and build muscle and create a nice tone,” she adds. Rizzo explains that you need to focus on fueling your body “better than what just traditional diet culture tells us to eat.”

“I have coached hundreds of women, not a single one of them, had their calories below 1500 every single day,” she adds.

5. Eat and Rest

@jennaaaamariee

You can transform your body by doing less in the gym & more in the kitchen.

While weight loss requires a calorie deficit, consuming adequate protein is crucial when it comes to building muscle mass. One small study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition divided a group of 20 men into two categories. One followed a higher protein diet than the other, while both groups followed a reduced calorie diet paired with intense exercise. At the end of four weeks the higher protein group lost more body fat and gained more muscle than the other group. Moral of the story, according to Rizzo? “Eat your food and take your rest.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, eating less and exercising more isn’t the key to transforming your body. Fueling up with the foods you need to build muscle and allowing your body to recover from workouts will help you achieve your best body ever.

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.

Fitness influencer and online coach Jenna Rizzo claims she has helped hundreds of women “shed inches off their waist without crash dieting.” She regularly shares videos via TikTok and Instagram, offering simple tricks and tips on how to lose weight, get in shape, and transform your body without going to extremes. Recently, Rizzo revealed two surprising tips “what most personal trainers aren’t talking about” that allow you to transform your body.


1. She Was Focusing on the Wrong Things

Jenna_Rizzojennaaaamariee/Instagram

In a viral TikTok video, Rizzo shows off her awe-inspiring body transformation. “It took me a long time to get from point A to point B because I was focusing on the wrong things. I'll tell you the two things you really need to focus on,” she says. “You can make a lot faster progress than me.” The first surprising tip? Don’t speed through exercises. “Slow down your workout routine,” she advises. “A lot of us think doing really long workouts five, six times a week is going to be really good for us, but it actually could be doing more harm than good.” How so? She explains that when you work out, “you're actually creating tears in your muscles.” If you want them to “grow back bigger and stronger,” you “have to give them proper rest,” she explains. “I saw a major difference in my physique when I stopped training six days a week and went down to four.”

Related: This Quick & Easy Two-Minute Workout Tones Your Body Fast

2. Allow Your Muscles to Rest

Tired,Runner,Rest,Running,recover,jogging,exerciseShutterstock

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) agrees. They explain that exercise creates two types of stress on your muscles. The first is metabolic stress, “that comes from depleting the energy stored in individual muscle cells,” and also mechanical stress, “created by physical damage to the structures of muscle proteins.”

“While the body experiences metabolic or mechanical stress during exercise, it’s during the recovery period after the exercise that the body repairs the muscle proteins and replaces the glycogen (stored glucose in liver and muscle tissue) used to fuel the workout,” they say.

How long of a rest should you give your muscles? One small study determined that the ideal rest time is between 48-72 hours for muscles worked.

3. Stop Slashing Your Calories

Healthy,Eating,Food,Low,Carb,Keto,Ketogenic,Diet,Meal,Plan,salmon,avocado,egg, broccoliShutterstock

The next tip has to do with diet. Instead of slashing your calories, “you're going to need to eat more than you think,” she says. “These 1,200 calorie days, low carb diets, intermittent fasting, keto, are all pushed onto women,” Rizzo explains, blasting diet culture.

Related: I Lost 80 Pounds Eating What I Love & Here Are My Simple Tricks

4. Focus on Fueling Your Body

Fitness,Breakfast,running,healthy,eating,saladShutterstock

“Our goal is to get strong and build muscle and create a nice tone,” she adds. Rizzo explains that you need to focus on fueling your body “better than what just traditional diet culture tells us to eat.”

“I have coached hundreds of women, not a single one of them, had their calories below 1500 every single day,” she adds.

5. Eat and Rest

@jennaaaamariee

You can transform your body by doing less in the gym & more in the kitchen.

While weight loss requires a calorie deficit, consuming adequate protein is crucial when it comes to building muscle mass. One small study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition divided a group of 20 men into two categories. One followed a higher protein diet than the other, while both groups followed a reduced calorie diet paired with intense exercise. At the end of four weeks the higher protein group lost more body fat and gained more muscle than the other group. Moral of the story, according to Rizzo? “Eat your food and take your rest.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, eating less and exercising more isn’t the key to transforming your body. Fueling up with the foods you need to build muscle and allowing your body to recover from workouts will help you achieve your best body ever.

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.

Frustrated with love handles that just won't budge? If you've tried everything from endless side crunches to restrictive diets with no success, you're not alone. "It would be amazing if we could do a particular exercise that targeted love handle fat only, but there is no known way currently to spot reduce fat," says Jenna Collins, a certified personal trainer who's helped thousands transform their bodies. With over 400,000 YouTube subscribers and 25 years of fitness expertise, Collins has developed a science-backed approach that delivers real results. Here's her proven system that actually works for eliminating those stubborn love handles.


Why Love Handles Are So Stubborn

"Love handles don't appear overnight," Jenna explains in her post. "They develop over the years through excess calorie consumption and various factors like stress, medication, and genetics." She notes that women, especially after menopause, are more prone to storing fat in this area due to decreased estrogen levels.

"They don't appear because you went on vacation for a week and ate too much food," Jenna emphasizes. "This happens over a long period of time. Often, in the years, we've become so used to our bad habits that the problem can go undetected or, more likely, ignored."

RELATED:She Could Have Lost Weight Faster If She Had Known These 5 Fat Loss Tricks

Step 1: The Nutrition Strategy That Makes the Difference

The foundation of losing love handles starts with smart eating. "You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose fat," Jenna emphasizes. "This means consuming fewer calories than you burn daily." She recommends reducing your daily caloric intake by no more than 500 calories to lose fat at a sustainable pace.

"Definitely don't jump in and reduce your calories to the bare minimum in the hopes of speeding up fat loss," Jenna warns. "This will always result in gaining the weight back very fast. The truth is you're looking at many months and possibly even years, depending on how much fat you need to lose."

The Protein Rule That Protects Your Muscles While Burning Fat

Protein intake is crucial to maintaining muscle while losing fat. "If you're not getting adequate protein in your diet, you can start to lose muscle, especially while in a calorie deficit," Jenna explains. She recommends consuming 0.7-1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.

Step 2: The Exercise Approach That Really Works

Surprisingly, the most effective exercise isn't what most people expect. "If I had to choose one exercise for all people and all fitness levels, walking is your best exercise to lose fat," Jenna reveals. She notes that "walking for 45 minutes at a steady pace can burn as many calories as a 15-minute HIIT workout."

For optimal results, combine walking with strength training. "Resistance training will help you to tone and build muscle, and the more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest. Yes, that's right. At rest, doing nothing."

Start Here: Your Simple 3-Day Workout Plan for Results

For beginners, Jenna recommends "a full body workout three times per week. Two could be shorter HIIT workouts with or without equipment, and one could be lower intensity weights." As you progress, you can advance to more specialized routines.

RELATED:10 Warning Signs Your Calories Are Dangerously Low

Step 3: The Missing Link - Sustainable Consistency

"If you can't put the first two steps into practice consistently and make it a lifestyle change rather than seeing it as a challenge, then those steps are pointless," Jenna states firmly. "You don't need to jump in with both feet and make drastic changes overnight. For some, this might work, but for most people, this won't work."

Work With Your Body Type, Not Against It

She highlights working with your unique body type: "We really just need to accept that we all have different body shapes. You can't go comparing your body shape to someone else's. Work with your own body and don't try to shape it the way somebody else is built."

Breaking Through Plateaus

When progress stalls, Jenna shares her proven solution: the refeed day. "After some time being in a calorie deficit, your body will reduce the amount of calories it burns. This is your body's way of going into survival mode," she explains. By strategically increasing carbohydrates for one day, "you're signaling to your body that you are getting enough calories, and there's no need to lower your metabolism."

RELATED:She Tried the 75 Soft Challenge and "Actually Craves Healthy Food Now"

Your Blueprint for Success

"Combine the science and a lifestyle change that works for you, meaning something that is sustainable and enjoyable for you long-term," Jenna concludes. The key to success lies in the combination of proper nutrition, strategic exercise, and unwavering consistency. While the journey requires patience, following these science-backed steps will lead to real, lasting results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

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.

You might think that the secret to losing belly fat is doing endless crunches a day. However, according to fitness experts, this is just a myth. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a certified macro nutrition and fat loss coach and TikTok influencer. Her goal is to help people get their “dream body” without “ditching” their favorite foods and bust myths surrounding weight loss. In one of her viral videos she reveals the three things that will help you lose stubborn belly fat.


1. You Don’t Have to Go to Extremes to Lose Belly Fat

@project.s.lifestyle

How to lose stubborn lower belly fat #weightlosscoach #weightlossforwomen #weightlosstips

“Here's how you lose that stubborn lower belly fat that just hangs there when you pull your pants down,” she says in the clip. “Number one 60 sets a day right before bed. Number two, cut out all white carbs, white potatoes, white bread, pasta, things like that. Number three, one hour of cardio every single day,” she continues. “Now, these are things I see a lot of people doing to lose belly fat and lose fat in general, but it's not the most efficient and sustainable way to lose it.”

2. But, It Takes More Than Lots of Ab Work

Muscular man exercising doing sit up exercise. Athlete with six pack, white male, no shirtShutterstock

She continues to tell her followers what will actually help you blast belly fat. “Weight loss essentially comes from being in a calorie deficit. So you can do all the crunches, all the ab workouts you want to do, but if your nutrition is not on point, you'll not see any results in your stomach at all,” she says.

Related: I Lost 54 Pounds in 47 Days By Following These 10 Rules

3. 1. Be in a Calorie Deficit

calorie counting app on smartphone screen. Counting calories on a diet. Weight lossShutterstock

The first thing you need to do to lose lower belly fat “is to be in a healthy calorie deficit, unique to you,” she says. Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach agrees that the “best way to actually shrink your stomach” would be to be in a consistent calorie deficit. “There's no way around it. People say that diets don't work. That's not true,” he adds.

4. 2. Strength Training

Woman training in gym room ready for fitness biceps exercisesShutterstock

Her second recommendation? “Focus on strength training,” she says. Several studies have found a link between resistance training and reduced weight circumference, aka, belly fat. Some good weight training exercises to tone your midsection include bicep curls, squats, lunges, and tricep kickbacks.

5. 3. 30 Minutes of Walking Per Day

Woman walking in the park with bottle water in summer health care concept.Shutterstock

And finally, she recommends “30 minutes of walking per day,” instead of 60. “Light movement doesn't have to be anything crazy,” she adds. If you don’t have time for a 30-minute walk, McMahon suggests taking 10 minute walks throughout the day. “A 10 minute walk is equal to a thousand steps. So if you think of it that way, it's like, “Oh, okay, I can take short little walk breaks.”

Related: I Lost Weight Without Trying by Stopping These 7 Things

6. Finally, Have Patience

Woman,Scales,,Measuring,weight,loss,gain,feet,dietShutterstock

“Now, if you do this, you will see results, but for a lot of women, their stomach is the slower thing to go,” she says. “So you just have to be patient and trust the process.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, you can’t flatten your abs by doing a lot of crunches. In order to lose belly fat, you have to be in a caloric deficit.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

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.

TikTok influencer Tara Hall (@tarahallfitness) knows all too well the struggle to get rid of belly fat and develop beautiful, strong abdominal muscles. As with all exercises, there is a right way—and a wrong way!—to go about reaching those fitness goals, and so much misinformation that not only will NOT help shift the tummy fat, it might even encourage it (noooo!). Hall’s advice is sensible, and you know it’s legit because the method will cost you nothing. Here’s what she has to say.


Sit Ups and Crunches

@tarahallfitness

Struggle to lose lower stomach fat? Heres how 🙃 #lowerstomachfat #stomachfat #flatstomach #losefat

Hall makes the point that endless situps and crunches will unfortunately not torch stomach fat. Why? Research shows spot reduction is a myth—you can’t just focus on losing fat in one area of the body. “Getting rid of belly fat involves a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes,” says vegan fitness expert and trainer Kollins Ezekh. “Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, and swimming, can help burn overall body fat, while strength training exercises, such as weight lifting, can help build muscle and improve metabolism.”

Related: Katie Austin Flashes Washboard Abs and Reveals 5 Things She Does to Get Her “Mojo Back”

Lots of Cardio

Side view of two attractive sports women on running track. Girls on treadmillShutterstock

Hall says cardio alone won’t magically shift the belly bulge—other factors are important, as it’s remarkably difficult to out-burn excessive calories. “Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Ezekh says. “Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can also help reduce belly fat.”

This Is the Way

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“The only way you are going to lose stomach fat is by being in a calorie deficit,” Hall says. Her advice might be boring (where’s the quick fix we’re looking for?), but it is the foundation of any successful fat-loss program. “Popular fad diets may promise you that not eating carbohydrates (carbs) or eating a pile of grapefruit is the secret to weight loss. But it really comes down to eating fewer calories than your body is using if you want to lose weight,” says the Mayo Clinic.

This Is Important Too!

mid adult italian woman banging her head against a wall outside office building. Horizontal shape, copy spaceShutterstock

Of course, other factors also impact belly fat—for example, stress. Stress causes cortisol, and cortisol is linked to belly fat. So while you’re working out and eating right and being mindful of calories, pay attention to stress levels and learn to manage them. “Practices such as meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity can help manage stress,” Ezekh says.

Related: I Lost 60 Pounds With These 7 Exercises Everyone Can Do

Bye Bye, Belly Fat!

Woman body fat belly. Obese Woman with fat upset about her belly. Fat woman with tight clothing worried about weight diet lifestyle concept.Shutterstock

Sleep also impacts belly fat—poor sleep can help pack stomach fat on, and excess weight causes even worse sleep. Yikes. "Our findings show that shortened sleep, even in young, healthy and relatively lean subjects, is associated with an increase in calorie intake, a very small increase in weight, and a significant increase in fat accumulation inside the belly," says Virend Somers, MD, PhD, for the Mayo Clinic.

💪🔥Body Booster: You can’t spot-reduce fat, so be mindful of your calories in vs. calories out!

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Copyright louisesjourney2.0xo/Instagram
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.

 Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/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.

Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/YouTube
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.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

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The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

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When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

Fresh Berries at the Farmers Market​BerriesShutterstock

Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

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Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

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A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

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The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstock

To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

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The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

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Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.