Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Andres  Ayrton Pexels Logo Photo: Andres Ayrton

What fat goes away first when losing weight?

Excess visceral fat can pose serious health risks, but when you embark on a healthy diet and exercise plan, this fat is often the first to disappear. This means you're likely to notice weight loss in your abdominal area first. Too much visceral fat can make your belly protrude.

How long does it take for B12 to work?
How long does it take for B12 to work?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have...

Read More »
Can you lose a pound a day?
Can you lose a pound a day?

Although it may be theoretically possible, losing 1 pound (0.5 kg) of body fat per day would require you to significantly increase your physical...

Read More »

Why Is Some Fat Easier to Lose Than Other Fat?

All fat is not equal. The truth is, some areas of fat are easier to lose than others. So if it seems like fat comes off in some places and not in others, you’re not imagining things. Working toward a healthy body weight is a noble goal, and our team at Creekside Family Practice is here to help. Hammad Qureshi, MD, specializes in medically supervised weight loss programs customized to meet each patient’s needs. In this blog, Dr. Qureshi explains the science behind fat and weight loss.

The types of fat

There are two basic types of fat — white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue — and they both have different purposes.

White adipose tissue (WAT)

White adipose tissue is what most people think of when they hear “fat.” WAT cells store energy from the food you eat. If you consume excess calories, the cells get larger, and this is what causes weight gain.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT)

Brown adipose tissue burns energy instead of storing it. If you get cold, BAT cells activate and begin burning calories to warm you up. It helps you maintain a healthy body temperature. Most BAT is found around major organs and blood vessels. Common fatty areas, such as your abdomen and thighs, usually contain a combination of WAT and BAT. Both types of fat are essential for health, but too much or too little can throw your hormones and body functions out of balance.

Location and weight loss

WAT and BAT make up the fat in your body, but where this fat is located usually determines how hard it will be to take off.

Visceral fat

Fat that’s located deep inside your abdomen is called visceral fat. It cushions organs and blood vessels, and small amounts of visceral fat are important for your overall health. Excess visceral fat can pose serious health risks, but when you embark on a healthy diet and exercise plan, this fat is often the first to disappear. This means you’re likely to notice weight loss in your abdominal area first. Too much visceral fat can make your belly protrude. If your belly is hard and not squishy, it’s likely due to an excess of visceral fat. This can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

Can losing weight fix diastasis recti?
Can losing weight fix diastasis recti?

Brown explains, no amount of weight loss can fix the physical problem of having two muscles stretched apart. They must be sewn back together, which...

Read More »
What is the morning drink for weight loss?
What is the morning drink for weight loss?

Morning drinks are great to kick start a day. Green Tea with mint and lemon or Ginger Lemon water are ideal drinks that are refreshing and can be...

Read More »

Subcutaneous fat

Fat that’s located just below the surface of your skin is called subcutaneous fat. It’s the kind of fat that you can pinch on your stomach, legs, and arms. It pads and protects your bones and muscles and also acts as an energy reserve for your body. A healthy amount of subcutaneous fat actually helps protect you from overeating and Type 2 diabetes. When excess visceral fat is burned, the body then begins tackling excess subcutaneous fat. Unfortunately, subcutaneous fat is harder to lose. Subcutaneous fat is more visible, but it takes more effort to lose because of the function it serves in your body. If you have too much subcutaneous fat, this can increase the amount of WAT in your body. People who are overweight or obese may have high WAT levels and experience hormonal changes, which can increase their risk of developing chronic health issues.

Get help achieving a healthy weight

Trying to lose weight in specific areas of your body with targeted exercises usually isn’t effective. If you want to lose subcutaneous fat around your hips or thighs, for example, the best way to achieve your goal is to adopt a whole-body wellness routine that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. At Creekside Family Practice, Dr. Qureshi and our team can develop a customized program to help you see results. We offer nutritional support, exercise plans, and the accountability you need to make a difference in your weight and health. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Creekside Family Practice today.

How many minutes is 10000 steps?
How many minutes is 10000 steps?

What does 10,000 steps look like? Ten thousand steps equates to about eight kilometres, or an hour and 40 minutes walking, depending on your stride...

Read More »
Can I use turmeric for belly fat?
Can I use turmeric for belly fat?

Regular consumption of turmeric tea helps increase the bile production present in the stomach. It is a digestive juice that helps in emulsifying...

Read More »
Which cheese is best for weight loss?
Which cheese is best for weight loss?

Since cottage cheese is high in protein but low in calories, it is often recommended for weight loss. Several studies indicate that eating high...

Read More »
Can you survive on 1000 calories a day?
Can you survive on 1000 calories a day?

However, other studies show that while consuming 1,000 calories a day may result in significant weight loss, most people cannot sustain it and...

Read More »