3 Types of Belly Fat: Which One Are You Battling?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to carry weight differently? Or why might your own belly fat be stubborn despite your best efforts? Dr. Eric Berg, DC, an expert in healthy weight loss, sheds light on this common concern. At 59, Dr. Berg has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of health and weight management. As the director of Dr. Berg's Nutritionals and a best-selling author, he's helped thousands understand the nuances of healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting. In his recent post, Dr. Berg breaks down the three main types of belly fat, offering insights that could transform your approach to health.

Understanding the Dangers of Belly Fat

Before diving into the specific belly types, it's crucial to understand why belly fat is a concern. As the Mayo Clinic experts explain, "That extra belly fat does more than just make it hard to zip up a favorite pair of jeans, though. Research shows that belly fat carries serious health risks."

The Sagging Belly: A Tale of Insulin and Stress

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The first type Dr. Berg identifies is the sagging belly, which he attributes to visceral fat. "This is called visceral fat. Visceral fat is spill off from the liver," Dr. Berg explains in his post. This type of fat is particularly concerning because it surrounds organs and can impair their function.

The Role of Hormones in Belly Fat

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Dr. Berg points out two main culprits behind this belly type: insulin and cortisol. "Too many carbs will increase insulin and put the fat right in your gut," he states. However, he also notes that stress plays a significant role. "Cortisol is a stress hormone. What cortisol does is it indirectly increases insulin," Dr. Berg clarifies.

The Hidden Dangers of Stress and Sugar

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Dr. Berg emphasizes the interconnected nature of stress and sugar in contributing to belly fat. He warns, "When you go through stress, it will increase your blood glucose from other things, not carbs. So stress and sugar create the same effect, belly fat, and many other problems."

The Invisible Threat: TOFI

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Interestingly, Dr. Berg mentions that even thin people can have this type of fat, coining the term "TOFI" or "thin on the outside, fat on the inside."

The Protruding Belly: When Your Liver Needs Help

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The second type is the protruding belly, which Dr. Berg describes as "a liver problem, usually cirrhosis, advanced liver disease." This belly type is characterized by a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen, often seen in individuals with severe liver damage.

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The Severity of Liver-Related Belly Fat

Dr. Berg doesn't sugarcoat the seriousness of this condition. "When you start generating fluid in your abdomen, your liver is pretty messed up, and the chances of you reversing it are pretty slim," he warns. He further illustrates the severity by stating, "You have the liver that is so dysfunctional that is leaking fluid into a sac or on your abdomen, and you have to go to the hospital every 14 days to get it drained out. Not a good situation."

Hope for Liver Health

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Despite the grim outlook, Dr. Berg offers some hope, suggesting vitamin E in the form of tocotrienols and focusing on liver-friendly foods like cruciferous vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of radical lifestyle changes for those facing this condition.

The Lower Pooch: Battling Estrogen Dominance

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The third type Dr. Berg discusses is the lower pooch, often seen in women but also present in men. "It's more of a superficial fat. It's called subcutaneous fat," he explains. This type of fat is often linked to estrogen dominance.

The Impact of Menopause on Belly Fat

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The Mayo Clinic adds insight into why women may be particularly susceptible to this type of fat: "Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older — even if they aren't gaining weight. This is likely due to a decreasing level of estrogen, which appears to influence where fat is distributed in the body."

Combating Estrogen Dominance

To combat this, Dr. Berg recommends reducing estrogen exposure by avoiding soy products, pesticides, and plastics. He also suggests natural ways to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen: "Cruciferous vegetables... and then there's a concentrated cruciferous product called DIM. That would be a very good thing to take as well."

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The Surprising Link Between Plastics and Estrogen

In a startling revelation, Dr. Berg points out the pervasive nature of plastic in our lives and its potential impact on hormones. He states, "The average person in the US consumes the amount of plastic that equals the size of a credit card."

Tailoring Your Approach: Diet vs. Exercise

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Dr. Berg underlines the importance of diet over exercise in addressing belly fat. For the sagging belly, he states, "You're not going to see much results with exercise. Why? Because exercise does not decrease insulin in a significant way."

The Mayo Clinic's Perspective on Exercise

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While Dr. Berg recommends diet, the Mayo Clinic underscores the importance of exercise: "For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week. Strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week."

The Long Game: Patience and Persistence

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Dr. Berg reminds us that tackling belly fat, especially the stubborn lower pooch, is not an overnight process. He acknowledges, "It does take a long time to get rid of that last bit of belly fat, but if you increase the amount of fasting that you do and you follow these next recommendations, I think you can speed it up."

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A Balanced Approach to Belly Fat Reduction

The Mayo Clinic offers a balanced perspective on reducing belly fat: "To lose excess fat and keep it from coming back, aim for slow and steady weight loss. Consult your doctor for help getting started and staying on track."

Understanding your belly type can be the first step toward effective weight management. By identifying the underlying causes and tailoring your approach accordingly, you can work towards a healthier, leaner you. Whether it's managing stress, supporting liver health, or balancing hormones, a holistic approach combining diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is key to addressing your specific belly type. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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

“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

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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.

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3. 1. Be in a Calorie Deficit

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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

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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

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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.”

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6. Finally, Have Patience

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“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.

Are you having trouble losing weight? Your body might be storing fat, and you don’t even know it. Ann B Schulte is a fat loss coach who works with women over 40 in hopes of “empowering them “to live their most intentional, healthiest & inspired life!” In a recent post she reveals the top three signs that your body is storing fat instead of burning it.

Your Body Is Storing Fat

She starts off by pointing out that everyone’s body is storing fat. “Your body is storing fat! It’s just science,” she writes. “⁣We spend all this time trying to do the right thing- the things we have been taught to be true. But actually, many times, those are the things that sabotage us.” Here are the signs your body is storing fat and what you can do about it. ⁣⁣

Sign 1: You Are Eating Less But Can’t Lose Weight

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The first sign is that you are eating less and less, and you can’t lose weight. “You might even be gaining,” she says. What can you do about it? Eat the “adequate amount of food in the right ratios to spike your metabolism⁣⁣⁣,” she recommends.

Sign 2: You Haven’t Made Any Changes But Are Gaining Weight

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The next sign? “You have changed nothing in the way you eat or workout, and suddenly you are gaining weight,” she writes. “Hormones are a thing as you are getting older. You need to address hormone health and give your body proper nutrition that supports your hormones so they can thrive.”

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Sign 3: You Are Doing Intense Workouts, But Your Belly Fat Won’t Budge

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The last sign? You are “consistently doing HIIT or intense cardio classes, and your belly fat won’t go away⁣⁣⁣,” she says. Surprisingly, the solution is to do less HIIT cardio. “Too much HIIT causes high cortisol, which causes belly fat. You need muscle-building strength workouts so your body burns fat in its sleep⁣⁣⁣,” she says.

Weight Loss Differs in Your 40s and 50s

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Ann regularly educates her followers about how weight loss differs as you get older. In another post she explains it “really comes down to 3 simple things.” She adds that it “doesn’t have to be hard” to “lose weight and build muscle in this phase of life.”

Your Body Needs More Food

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Her first tip? Eat more, not less. “Stop undereating and start eating UP to your body’s needs! Severe calorie restriction is out, people. And just not effective long term. Learning how to fuel your body specifically to its needs will spike your metabolism for you - yes, even in your 40s or 50s,” she says.

Rethink Your Approach to Exercise

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Next, rethink your approach to exercise. “The intense calorie burn workouts are killing you and your cortisol levels, especially as you get older. I know it feels productive, but really, ask yourself if you are getting where you want to go by doing them. Getting strategic and thoughtful about your workouts and lifting heavy weights will give you the body composition changes you have been chasing,” she says.

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Don’t Avoid Carbs

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Also, make sure to eat carbs. “If you really want to ramp up fat burn and get that metabolism firing, eat carbs. But choose the right ones and eat them strategically. It will give you energy, your body will love you, and you’ll feel like yourself again,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your midsection? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with stubborn belly fat, but the good news is that surgery isn't your only option. Anthony Youn, M.D. F.A.C.S, a board-certified plastic surgeon known as "America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon," offers insights on achieving a flatter tummy without going under the knife. Combined with expert scientific perspectives, these strategies aim to help you build a healthier, more confident you.

Understanding Belly Fat: The Hidden Danger

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Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand what we're dealing with. Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is more than just a cosmetic concern. According to WebMD, "The type of fat that collects in your belly is called visceral fat. It surrounds your organs and raises your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers." This underscores the importance of addressing belly fat not just for aesthetic reasons but for overall health.

Measuring Your Risk

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How do you know if you have too much belly fat? WebMD provides a simple method: "To find out if you have excess fat in this area, put a tape measure around your midsection at bellybutton-level. More than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men is too much." If you fall into this category, it's time to take action.

Embrace a Low-Carb, Nutrient-Rich Diet

In his viral post, Dr. Youn emphasizes the importance of diet in achieving a flat tummy. "The first thing you need to do is change your diet," he advises. A low-carb approach can be particularly effective. "I recommend a low-carb diet, not necessarily keto, but definitely lower in carbs," says Dr. Youn. He adds, "Cut out the processed foods, cut out the junk food, cut out the fast food."

While WebMD doesn't recommend a specific "belly fat diet," they do emphasize the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This aligns well with Dr. Youn's advice for a healthier eating pattern.

Incorporate Intermittent Fasting

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Another strategy Dr. Youn recommends is intermittent fasting. "I'm a big proponent of intermittent fasting," he states. This approach involves limiting your eating to specific time windows, which can help reduce overall calorie intake and improve metabolic health. Dr. Youn suggests starting with a 12-hour fast and gradually increasing to 16 hours if comfortable. He explains, "Start with 12 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day, and then you can increase that to 16 hours."

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Stay Hydrated and Detoxify

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Proper hydration is crucial for a flat tummy. Dr. Youn advises, "Drink lots of water." Adequate water intake can help flush out toxins, reduce bloating, and support overall digestive health. He specifically recommends, "Add some lemon to [your water]. Lemon is a great detoxifier." Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day to support your flat tummy goals.

Focus on Core-Strengthening Exercises

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While diet plays a significant role, exercise is also essential. Dr. Youn recommends incorporating core-strengthening exercises into your routine. "Focus on exercises that target your core," he suggests. This includes exercises like planks, crunches, and Russian twists.

WebMD supports this approach, stating, "Even if belly fat runs in your family, you can overcome your genes with the right diet and enough exercise." Regular core workouts can help tone your abdominal muscles, improve posture, and contribute to a flatter-looking tummy.

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Manage Stress Levels

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Stress can significantly impact your waistline. Dr. Youn notes, "Stress causes the release of cortisol, which can increase abdominal fat." To combat this, he recommends stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Taking time to relax and unwind can not only improve your mental health but also contribute to a flatter tummy.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

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Quality sleep is often overlooked in the quest for a flat tummy. Dr. Youn emphasizes the importance of adequate rest, stating, "Make sure you're getting enough sleep."

WebMD echoes this advice, explaining, "Too little shut-eye could be part of the reason you've gained weight. Your body makes hormones that make you feel full. Lack of slumber can make them less effective." Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your flat tummy goals and overall health.

Consider Supplements Wisely

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While not a magic solution, certain supplements may support your efforts. Dr. Youn suggests, "You might want to consider taking a probiotic." Probiotics can help improve gut health, potentially reducing bloating and supporting overall digestive function. He also mentions, "There are some supplements out there that can help reduce bloating." However, he cautions, "I'm not a huge fan of fat burners... a lot of those contain stimulants." Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

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Be Patient and Consistent

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Losing belly fat is a process that requires time and consistency. As Dr. Youn emphasizes, "It's not going to happen overnight, but if you do these things, I guarantee you're going to see results."

WebMD doesn't provide a specific timeframe for losing belly fat, as it can differ significantly from person to person. Factors such as starting weight, diet, exercise routine, and genetics all play a role. The key is to focus on sustainable, healthy habits rather than quick fixes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.