Despite all your calorie-counting and hours at the gym, you just can’t get rid of those stubborn rolls of belly fat. You’re not the only one facing this struggle. Stubborn belly fat, especially the deep-seated kind called visceral fat, becomes harder to lose as we age. Visceral fat is the kind within the abdominal cavity that’s less “pinchable,” but more dangerous from a health standpoint. * Higher levels of visceral fat are linked with health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
Diet and exercise can help, but even if you watch what you eat and work out most days of the week, you might still be fighting your uphill battle with stubborn belly fat. But what makes it so difficult to get rid of those love handles and muffin top?
What Are Alpha and Beta Receptors?
Did you know not all fat cells in your body are the same? In fact, alpha and beta receptors differentiate fat cells from each other. Some areas of your body have a higher ratio of one type or the other. When it comes to body composition, the alpha receptors make it harder to shed body fat when they cluster in specific regions. In contrast, it’s easier to burn stored fat in areas of your body that have more beta receptors.
In short, when you have trouble getting rid of stubborn belly fat, you can blame it on alpha receptors. They are the reason both men and women tend to develop more hard-to-lose fat around their waistline as they age.
Hormones and genetics also play a role in your ratio of alpha to beta receptors in different areas of your body.
You may have noticed that you have inherited the same body composition as your mother or father, and that’s partially due to your hereditary predisposition to have a higher ratio of alpha to beta receptors in certain areas.
The Role of Diet and Exercise in Losing Tummy Fat
Are you counting calories and still not losing weight? Your diet may be working against you. If you’re constantly reaching for the “lite” versions of your favorite foods, you could be doing yourself a disservice. A medical study found the key to losing weight and keeping it off lies in eating a “clean” diet full of whole grains, lean proteins and fresh produce, not in restricting calorie count. ** Avoid over-processed foods, which could be causing you to eat more sodium and sugar without realizing it.
If you hit the gym regularly and still can’t break free of tummy fat, try taking the intensity of your workouts to the next level. Intense exercise triggers your body to reduce catecholamines, like adrenaline, which bind to the beta receptors on fat cells to jumpstart fat burning. A big burst of catecholamines like you get during a high-intensity interval workout stimulates those receptors to break down more fat. Therefore, vigorous exercise is your best weapon in your fight to lose tummy fat. Also, make sure your workout routine includes a mix of cardio and weight training – more muscle helps you burn more calories, even when you’re sitting still.
Liposuction for Tummy Fat
Liposuction is one of the most popular surgical procedures because it is so ideal for people struggling with unwanted fat in areas such as their abdomen. Though you can lose weight by working out and
eating a healthy diet free of processed foods, you may still have pockets of fat that are difficult to lose, and that’s because you can’t choose what areas of your body to lose fat from with diet and exercise alone. However, with liposuction, you can.
A talented cosmetic surgeon, like San Francisco-based Dr. Michael Kulick, can help you put your tummy fat behind you once and for all. When added to your diet and exercise program, liposuction surgery is an effective tool for removing fat that just won’t go away on its own. Through liposuction, a doctor can re-contour your abdominal area successfully, providing excellent results you can maintain through your fitness and healthy eating routines.
During a liposuction surgery, Dr. Kulick takes advantage of a high-tech method called LipoSelection that uses ultrasound technology to liquefy the fat before removing it from the body, for even smoother results that leave his patients looking much more toned.
If you would like to achieve outstanding aesthetic results from a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, contact Dr. Kulick’s office today to discuss how liposuction can help you get rid of stubborn belly fat and achieve a higher self-esteem. The results of your liposuction surgery will make you even more motivated to pursue your weight loss goals in the future by giving you the flat, toned tummy you have been striving for.
Resources:
- Photo credit: traineracademy.org
* Source: healthline.com
** Source: nytimes.com, February 2018
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
