Everywhere shrinks but lower belly
Kales97
Posts: 10 Member
I’m down 22 lbs since March 1st. (I’m 5’8 & 175 lbs). I’ve gone down from size 12 to size 10 in jeans but my lower belly stays the same! 😭 Is there something specific I should be doing to lose the fat there? Or is this all genetic? It drives me crazy that the pouch still stays. (I’ve included a photo).
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Replies
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From your pictures, you look like you've lost weight there too. You've just lost weight other places as well, so proportionally, it still appears as a "pouch." We can't dictate where our bodies will lose fat, and for a lot of people, stomach areas are some of the last to go. The only thing that will lose it is continued weight loss. There's nothing special you can do besides a calorie deficit.19
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I see a big difference. If it were you I’d be thrilled.8
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You definitely look like you've lost there. Unfortunately how we lose fat comes down to genetics.
I would highly recommend reading this thread
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p113 -
This content has been removed.
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You've done great and come a long way. Keep it up as you still have some body fat to lose.2
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If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!8
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Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
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CharlieCharlie007 wrote: »Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
For many people that is true. I carry the last reserve of fat over my hips toward the back above my glutes. I can have a flat belly and extra fat there and it is the hardest to make disappear.1 -
CharlieCharlie007 wrote: »Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
at 9.2% you wuld be ripped already, my profile pic is me at 11ish. and no way you are putting on 1.2 lbs of muscle for every lb you lose. you would need to be new to lifting and on gear to get those kinds of results. most people actually lose a little muscle as they cut, esp. once they are sub 12% BF% as there is less fat stores to pull from.
not saying your results are not impressive, the difference in your photos shows your work. just that the body takes like a month to add a lb of muscle in a surplus getting adequate protein, nutrition, etc. younger new to lifting men may be able to add 2lbs/month.11 -
If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!
I guess I don't know what kind of workout you have in mind here- be it weight lifting or some kind of cardio- but weight lifting doesn't get rid of fat, it just makes things nice and toned underneath (which is great
). No workout specifically targets fat, except in the sense that it may help achieve the calorie deficit necessary to burn fat overall. In fact, a person wouldn't have to work out at all to do that, but the aesthetics will be much better. 1 -
This one might help too
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10689837/does-this-uterus-make-my-stomach-look-fat/p110 -
If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!
I guess I don't know what kind of workout you have in mind here- be it weight lifting or some kind of cardio- but weight lifting doesn't get rid of fat, it just makes things nice and toned underneath (which is great ). No workout specifically targets fat, except in the sense that it may help achieve the calorie deficit necessary to burn fat overall. In fact, a person wouldn't have to work out at all to do that, but the aesthetics will be much better.
No, but lifting helps you retain muscle as you lose, otherwise, you lose fat and muscle, making it harder to look how you want.
If your goal was to lose 10 lbs but didn't lift, you may lose 4 lbs of lbm and 6 fat, which would look different than if your lost 10, 8 of which is fat. That extra 2 lbs of fat loss makes a difference from a bf% standpoint4 -
If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!
I guess I don't know what kind of workout you have in mind here- be it weight lifting or some kind of cardio- but weight lifting doesn't get rid of fat, it just makes things nice and toned underneath (which is great ). No workout specifically targets fat, except in the sense that it may help achieve the calorie deficit necessary to burn fat overall. In fact, a person wouldn't have to work out at all to do that, but the aesthetics will be much better.
No, but lifting helps you retain muscle as you lose, otherwise, you lose fat and muscle, making it harder to look how you want.
If your goal was to lose 10 lbs but didn't lift, you may lose 4 lbs of lbm and 6 fat, which would look different than if your lost 10, 8 of which is fat. That extra 2 lbs of fat loss makes a difference from a bf% standpoint
Uh-huh... that's why I said it improves aesthetics.
I was just replying to the implication of the previous poster that lifting (or cardio) is necessary to lose fat. I'm all for weight lifting 3 -
If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!
I guess I don't know what kind of workout you have in mind here- be it weight lifting or some kind of cardio- but weight lifting doesn't get rid of fat, it just makes things nice and toned underneath (which is great ). No workout specifically targets fat, except in the sense that it may help achieve the calorie deficit necessary to burn fat overall. In fact, a person wouldn't have to work out at all to do that, but the aesthetics will be much better.
Um... why was my comment flagged?4 -
If you are not working out at the gym, it will be hard to lose that. I’d suggest trying that if you haven’t already. Congratulations on the weight loss, 23 lbs is awesome!
I guess I don't know what kind of workout you have in mind here- be it weight lifting or some kind of cardio- but weight lifting doesn't get rid of fat, it just makes things nice and toned underneath (which is great ). No workout specifically targets fat, except in the sense that it may help achieve the calorie deficit necessary to burn fat overall. In fact, a person wouldn't have to work out at all to do that, but the aesthetics will be much better.
Um... why was my comment flagged?
Good question... maybe someone isn't sure what a flag is for??3 -
I’m down 22 lbs since March 1st. (I’m 5’8 & 175 lbs). I’ve gone down from size 12 to size 10 in jeans but my lower belly stays the same! 😭 Is there something specific I should be doing to lose the fat there? Or is this all genetic? It drives me crazy that the pouch still stays. (I’ve included a photo).
Your lower belly is definitely not the same.
For many, belly fat is primary fat stores...especially the lower belly. Primary fat stores are a first on, last off kind of thing.4 -
Are you following a structured lifting program though?
If not, take a look at some good options here:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p11 -
Mostly, I agree with others. You've made wonderful progress. You're within the range of normal appearance, but might want to continue losing a bit more weight given your goals.
In addition, though I hesitate to say this, and it may just be a side effect of how you're standing to get the side selfie, but in the photo you seem to have some (very common) posture issues that exaggerate the feature that's concerning you. I think you may have some anterior pelvic tilt/exaggerated lumbar curve, i.e. upper part of pelvic bones tilted slightly forward of neutral. Your upper body isn't visible, but a bit of shoulder slump can also emphasize the belly area further (and it's super common among those of us who use computers and cell phones a lot), and is often seen in combination with the pelvic tilt.
I don't mean to be picking on you, I'm truly trying to help you achieve your appearance goals. (Think of me as a sort of concerned old internet auntie who picks on you a little out of caring and concern, as I'm for sure old enough to be one.) :flowerforyou:5 -
22 pounds in 88 days is a loss of 1.75 pounds a week. Part of your impatience may stem from not eating enough food to keep yourself satisfied.9
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22 pounds in 88 days is a loss of 1.75 pounds a week. Part of your impatience may stem from not eating enough food to keep yourself satisfied.
Nice catch, I didn't "run the numbers".
OP losing this fast will also lead to a loss of lean muscle, not just fat. Meaning at your current weight you are a higher BF% than you would have been had you lost slower, while lifting and getting enough protein.4 -
I lose the first 5 lbs in 3 days. I’m sure this was just the release of toxins or whatever. I eat 1400 give or take every day and I do not feel starving22 pounds in 88 days is a loss of 1.75 pounds a week. Part of your impatience may stem from not eating enough food to keep yourself satisfied.
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Mostly, I agree with others. You've made wonderful progress. You're within the range of normal appearance, but might want to continue losing a bit more weight given your goals.
In addition, though I hesitate to say this, and it may just be a side effect of how you're standing to get the side selfie, but in the photo you seem to have some (very common) posture issues that exaggerate the feature that's concerning you. I think you may have some anterior pelvic tilt/exaggerated lumbar curve, i.e. upper part of pelvic bones tilted slightly forward of neutral. Your upper body isn't visible, but a bit of shoulder slump can also emphasize the belly area further (and it's super common among those of us who use computers and cell phones a lot), and is often seen in combination with the pelvic tilt.
I don't mean to be picking on you, I'm truly trying to help you achieve your appearance goals. (Think of me as a sort of concerned old internet auntie who picks on you a little out of caring and concern, as I'm for sure old enough to be one.) :flowerforyou:
Thank you for commenting this. It’s not the first time I’ve been told this in comments! Both my maternal grandmother and my mother have this exaggerated curve in the back. I’ve also been to a chiropractor and I don’t any hip / back issues. But I agree, that posture could change how a belly sticks out. However I’m not sure if there is anything I could do about this? I don’t think it comes down to my posture, just the way my body is built (I assume)? Haha.
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I can see the difference and I'd say if you did a measurement before and after there'd be a pretty significant difference.1
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Mostly, I agree with others. You've made wonderful progress. You're within the range of normal appearance, but might want to continue losing a bit more weight given your goals.
In addition, though I hesitate to say this, and it may just be a side effect of how you're standing to get the side selfie, but in the photo you seem to have some (very common) posture issues that exaggerate the feature that's concerning you. I think you may have some anterior pelvic tilt/exaggerated lumbar curve, i.e. upper part of pelvic bones tilted slightly forward of neutral. Your upper body isn't visible, but a bit of shoulder slump can also emphasize the belly area further (and it's super common among those of us who use computers and cell phones a lot), and is often seen in combination with the pelvic tilt.
I don't mean to be picking on you, I'm truly trying to help you achieve your appearance goals. (Think of me as a sort of concerned old internet auntie who picks on you a little out of caring and concern, as I'm for sure old enough to be one.) :flowerforyou:
Thank you for commenting this. It’s not the first time I’ve been told this in comments! Both my maternal grandmother and my mother have this exaggerated curve in the back. I’ve also been to a chiropractor and I don’t any hip / back issues. But I agree, that posture could change how a belly sticks out. However I’m not sure if there is anything I could do about this? I don’t think it comes down to my posture, just the way my body is built (I assume)? Haha.
Perhaps there's a genetic component, but part of it is which muscles are stronger/weaker, tighter/more-stretched, from our life habits. Every Physical Therapy practice on YouTube or the web has recommendations for this, it seems like. This is just one example, to give you an idea:
https://www.theptdc.com/5-steps-dealing-anterior-pelvic-tilt
I lose the first 5 lbs in 3 days. I’m sure this was just the release of toxins or whatever. I eat 1400 give or take every day and I do not feel starving22 pounds in 88 days is a loss of 1.75 pounds a week. Part of your impatience may stem from not eating enough food to keep yourself satisfied.
Not release of toxins (that whole concept is mostly an internet myth). It's mainly just a water weight drop from consuming fewer carbs/salt (less foods so less carbs/salt, doesn't have to be true "low salt" or "low carb"), plus lower average digestive system contents from reduced intake. Not everyone, but lots of people, lose faster for a couple of days to couple of weeks when first starting out.7 -
I lose the first 5 lbs in 3 days. I’m sure this was just the release of toxins or whatever. I eat 1400 give or take every day and I do not feel starving22 pounds in 88 days is a loss of 1.75 pounds a week. Part of your impatience may stem from not eating enough food to keep yourself satisfied.
Do you mean release of water? Water would be right. 5 pounds of toxins would probably be fatal. Adjusted for water loss your rate of loss for 88 days is 1.35 per week. Ideally you would be at 1 pound per week which would require another 175ish calories per day on your average.7 -
CharlieCharlie007 wrote: »Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
For many people that is true. I carry the last reserve of fat over my hips toward the back above my glutes. I can have a flat belly and extra fat there and it is the hardest to make disappear.
Lol! Woo'd and flagged for where I carry body fat!!
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CharlieCharlie007 wrote: »Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
For many people that is true. I carry the last reserve of fat over my hips toward the back above my glutes. I can have a flat belly and extra fat there and it is the hardest to make disappear.
Lol! Woo'd and flagged for where I carry body fat!!
I'm guessing there's a lot of us that should be flagged for where we carry our body fat
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CharlieCharlie007 wrote: »Lower belly is the real *kitten*. It truly is the last to go. I am at 9.2% bf, I still have 6 centimeters to go. because of my body type. MY dietitian calculated with her formulas that for me to see abszzzz, I need to go to 5.7%. Now, that sounds ridiculously low, but, I am putting on 1.2 pounds of muscle for every pound on fat I drop. So, My weight is actually the same or a bit higher. But, losing everywhere. So, do not lose faith. Stay consistent, stay in the game, and you will achieve the desired results. Just have a realistic timeline.
at 9.2% you wuld be ripped already, my profile pic is me at 11ish. and no way you are putting on 1.2 lbs of muscle for every lb you lose. you would need to be new to lifting and on gear to get those kinds of results. most people actually lose a little muscle as they cut, esp. once they are sub 12% BF% as there is less fat stores to pull from.
not saying your results are not impressive, the difference in your photos shows your work. just that the body takes like a month to add a lb of muscle in a surplus getting adequate protein, nutrition, etc. younger new to lifting men may be able to add 2lbs/month.
Either someone is vengeful, or they have no idea what the woo button is... I go woo'd 3 times for this post??4
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