tummy fat.

I'm finding it so hard to lose tummy fat, i've lost a few inches around my legs and arms but I haven't lost anything around my tummy, it actually looks quite ugly now as it looks like it sticks out more.
I do a lot of cardio and in between I do strength training, I actually do more strength training than cardio! I know the tummy is the last to lose weight but this is ridiculous!
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Replies

  • carlydevi
    carlydevi Posts: 68 Member
    Same here.. and I don't know what to do, either.
  • Weight comes off in the order it was put on. Just be patient -- it will come off. For women, fat is primarily stored in the tummy, butt, and legs (sorry, can't change evolution!).
  • Sublog
    Sublog Posts: 1,296 Member
    I'm finding it so hard to lose tummy fat, i've lost a few inches around my legs and arms but I haven't lost anything around my tummy, it actually looks quite ugly now as it looks like it sticks out more.
    I do a lot of cardio and in between I do strength training, I actually do more strength training than cardio! I know the tummy is the last to lose weight but this is ridiculous!

    Keep losing weight. It will go away.
  • ebony__
    ebony__ Posts: 519 Member
    Weight comes off in the order it was put on. Just be patient -- it will come off. For women, fat is primarily stored in the tummy, butt, and legs (sorry, can't change evolution!).

    Weight comes off in the order it's put on?
    Maybe for some people but don't think it's a general rule.
    The rest I agree - keep at it and be patient.

    I feel the same, feel likes it's gross and stands out more because although big I've always been well proportioned.
    But I'm just looking at the bigger picture now and this is just a stage I have to work through to get there. :)
  • SusanLovesToEat
    SusanLovesToEat Posts: 213 Member
    I'm finding it so hard to lose tummy fat, i've lost a few inches around my legs and arms but I haven't lost anything around my tummy, it actually looks quite ugly now as it looks like it sticks out more.
    I do a lot of cardio and in between I do strength training, I actually do more strength training than cardio! I know the tummy is the last to lose weight but this is ridiculous!

    Keep losing weight. It will go away.

    I agree, I used to have a very small waist and now there's a bulge/shelf whatever. Slowly but surely it is diminishing and in the end it will go too. Believe it or not, there is a sort of redistribution during the maintenance phase. Also recommend doing core work as it helps develop the pelvic girdle which pulls in the stomach.
  • research core exercises.. eat omega 3 fats .. drink a ton of water .. try jogging/running ... i was in the same boat as you..first time i ever noticed i had a waistline i almost fell over but core exercies really do help... planks are a good core exercise .. i never took up yoga but heard its really good for your core
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    Yep, same problem here. Most of my fat is in my stomach and back. I've lost half an inch from my thighs and 1.5 or 2 from my arms. I've just accepted that it's coming off this way and at least it IS coming off.
  • I am with you! And its hard to see, unless you measure yourself- which can run you crazy. I have been multi training for a little over a month and I see more of a difference in my upper and lower body (mostly from swimming), but my friends say that they see a difference all around. I do know that core excercises, in addition to your normal routine, can help round down the belly. I know because I used to be a gym rat for pilates and yoga and I have to get back into it again :-)
  • Kiswinning
    Kiswinning Posts: 35 Member
    I heard Dr. Oz say pure raspberry ketones help. I'm going to give it a try since I'm in the same boat.
  • deniselynn13
    deniselynn13 Posts: 120 Member
    What are you eating? Exercise does no good if you are eating bad. IMO, it's 80% diet,10% workout and 10% genetics. Eat clean, watch your sodium and sugar, drink a ton of water and tea, cut out alcohol. It's amazing the benefits that will have. Then add a combo of cardio and strength training will help make them show and lean out. Do core exercises rather than strictly ab exercises. Focus on adding planks, v ups, hanging leg raises, etc, into your routine instead of simply crunches.

    Good luck!!!

    BTW - i have lost more than 10 inches in my waist doing exactly what i am talking about since mid-March. Add me for added help and motivation if you would like!

    Good luck!!!
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    Your stomach sticks out more because you've lost weight in your upper abdomen and the sides of it.

    The front will go next! Have faith. Keep going! Good luck.

    Exercise helps. Abdominals are better, but just a lot of walking have helped me tremendously.
  • I'm right there with you. I have cut way down on my carbs, upping my proteins and trying to remember to drink more water.
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
    What are you eating? Exercise does no good if you are eating bad. IMO, it's 80% diet,10% workout and 10% genetics. Eat clean, watch your sodium and sugar, drink a ton of water and tea, cut out alcohol. It's amazing the benefits that will have. Then add a combo of cardio and strength training will help make them show and lean out. Do core exercises rather than strictly ab exercises. Focus on adding planks, v ups, hanging leg raises, etc, into your routine instead of simply crunches.

    Good luck!!!

    BTW - i have lost more than 10 inches in my waist doing exactly what i am talking about since mid-March. Add me for added help and motivation if you would like!

    Good luck!!!


    Good Advice!!!
  • chocolateandpb
    chocolateandpb Posts: 438 Member
    What are you eating? Exercise does no good if you are eating bad. IMO, it's 80% diet,10% workout and 10% genetics. Eat clean, watch your sodium and sugar, drink a ton of water and tea, cut out alcohol. It's amazing the benefits that will have. Then add a combo of cardio and strength training will help make them show and lean out. Do core exercises rather than strictly ab exercises. Focus on adding planks, v ups, hanging leg raises, etc, into your routine instead of simply crunches.

    This, plus Pilates!
  • coolcatcan
    coolcatcan Posts: 133 Member
    Keep doing what you're doing...Cardio and strength training is key as well as eating well. Try staying away from processed foods and try to eat as cleanly as possible. This is what worked for me...be patient it will come :~)

    Good luck :bigsmile:
  • Have you considered the "Flat Belly Diet"?? There are foods in there that truly focus on visceral fat, and help rid your tummy of it. Yogurt, dairy, and avocados target the belly. You can also try doing some Core training, such as Yoga and/or Pilates... Dancing (especially Belly dancing or even Zumba) targets this area.
  • Crayvn
    Crayvn Posts: 390 Member
    What are you eating? Exercise does no good if you are eating bad. IMO, it's 80% diet,10% workout and 10% genetics. Eat clean, watch your sodium and sugar, drink a ton of water and tea, cut out alcohol. It's amazing the benefits that will have. Then add a combo of cardio and strength training will help make them show and lean out. Do core exercises rather than strictly ab exercises. Focus on adding planks, v ups, hanging leg raises, etc, into your routine instead of simply crunches.

    Good luck!!!

    BTW - i have lost more than 10 inches in my waist doing exactly what i am talking about since mid-March. Add me for added help and motivation if you would like!

    Good luck!!!

    She is exactly right :) There is a quote I read once that said, "Abs are born in the kitchen". You can have a really nice strong core doing all those ab exercises, but if your still carrying a bit of fat you wont see the results til you modify your diet. Look at your fat intake. You may be following the recommended amount, but remember every body type is different. At 5" 3 122 lbs you cant have THAT much of a belly your at the ideal weight range according to the BMI. If your looking for that *cut* look to your stomach there can be genetics involved there too. If your comparing yourself to those model/fitness trainers that you see on the cover of fitness magazines, they go through a pretty strict diet routine a few weeks before a photo shoot sometimes and/or they just have them naturally :( . I bet if you saw them sitting on the couch watching TV, nice and relaxed, they would have a little *pouch* too. hehehe

    Are you staying within the reccommended fat allowance? Make sure you are eating "healthy" fats too. Try cutting it down by 5-10 g a day and really focus on that core area. Along with your normal strength and cardio.

    Best of Luck! and remember sometimes we just have to find a point where we accept ourselves no matter what believe are imperfections :)
  • Sublog
    Sublog Posts: 1,296 Member
    I heard Dr. Oz say pure raspberry ketones help. I'm going to give it a try since I'm in the same boat.

    Dr. Oz is an idiot. And don't waste your money.
  • Crayvn
    Crayvn Posts: 390 Member
    Dr. Oz is an idiot. And don't waste your money.

    Amen to that brother :)
  • I have been using Raspberry Ketones and have noticed a difference. They also have given me more energy. They're 100% natural and have no negative side effects! I swear by them!
  • Just be patient <3 Are you taking progress pictures? If not, start. My belly is GROSSSS as well.. but I have noticed a change is SHAPE! =) I can tell where it is starting... it does take the longest though.. belly fat is really hard to get rid of, just don't let it discourage you.
  • AmberShinn1
    AmberShinn1 Posts: 5 Member
    Do you go to a gym to work out? When I had a gym membership there were a few machines that helped A TON. There was one where you sat and used your ubber abs to push backwards. (I noticed such a difference with my upper stomach) There is also a machine where you sit but are leaning back somewhat and you are lifting a bar with your legs/lower abs. BEST thing in the world for that tummy pocket. Lastly, there was a machine where you sat on a stool that turned. This helped my sides amazingly!!
    I had let my weight get bad again and I cannot wait to get back into the gym to do these.

    If you don't have a gym membership, I know an exercise for your lower stomach. It is similar to the machine. Sit on the very edge of your bed. You can lean back or lay down if you like. You can even do it on your couch when watching tv. Lean back and keep your legs straight and together. Lift them up and down just dont let them hit the floor and go up to make a 45 degree angle from your legs and your stomach. After you get used to it, you can even add weights to your feet.

    I really hope this helps because I know the tummy is the hardest to get!:happy:
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    What it comes down to is overall body fat lose, not weight loss. I say this because you need to preserve your lean body mass in order to have definition. This means heavy weight training and generally a small calorie deficit (generally 20% less than tdee) is about the best option. Next is just time and diet. It wont happen over night and you need a very clean diet (whole foods, lean meats, fish, fruits and veggies). Minimize processed foods as much as possible (not necessary but i stay away from grains and most dairy for this reason). You can minimize cardio but if you must, try HIIT as there have been studies that suggest HIIT is effective at cutting fat and maintaining muscle.

    With that said, if you post your height, weight and age and workout program (length etc) and job we can estimate how many calories you need.
  • Just be patient <3 Are you taking progress pictures? If not, start. My belly is GROSSSS as well.. but I have noticed a change is SHAPE! =) I can tell where it is starting... it does take the longest though.. belly fat is really hard to get rid of, just don't let it discourage you.

    As much as I hate looking at the pictures right now, I have noticed a change. Between that and taking measurements I've seen a change, although it's not necessarily the changes I was hoping for first :)
  • BrownEyedGrrl
    BrownEyedGrrl Posts: 144 Member
    Weight comes off in the order it was put on. Just be patient -- it will come off. For women, fat is primarily stored in the tummy, butt, and legs (sorry, can't change evolution!).

    I wish i stored fat in my butt! lol. My weight primarily has come off my boobs and my butt and my arms. Most of us do store a lot of our fat in our tummy but I think where the rest is distributed depends on body type, diet, type of exercises you do, etc.
    If only I could take some of my tummy fat and move it to my boobs and butt! That would be a dream come true! :D
  • Crayvn
    Crayvn Posts: 390 Member
    With that said, if you post your height, weight and age and workout program (length etc) and job we can estimate how many calories you need.

    She is 21 y/o and 5' 3 and 122lbs...enough said? hehehehe
  • For most people, belly fat is the last to come off. Be sure to know what your body shape is (hourglass, pear, apple, etc.) -- because that might give you an idea about what parts of your body go "down" first! :-)
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    With that said, if you post your height, weight and age and workout program (length etc) and job we can estimate how many calories you need.

    She is 21 y/o and 5' 3 and 122lbs...enough said? hehehehe

    Its a start. If she works out 5-6 days a week and does not have an active job/daily lifestyle, then she should be eating around 1800 calories. But once she post that and opens the diary we can see where there are areas of improvement.
  • How long has it been since you first started working out? It usually takes a few weeks before you start seeing results.
  • griffx12
    griffx12 Posts: 110 Member
    Less. Carbs! And Pilates.