Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Angela Roma Pexels Logo Photo: Angela Roma

Which part do you lose weight first?

The first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but hold onto weight in their thighs and hips, Dr. Block explains.

womenshealthmag.com - Where Do You Lose Weight First? Doctors Explain - Women's Health
What fruit to eat before bed to lose weight?
What fruit to eat before bed to lose weight?

The best fruits to eat at night for weight loss are melons, cantaloupe, and honeydew. These have good water content and are less in calories....

Read More »
Last updated Oct 16, 2019
Does a tummy tuck lift your thighs?
Does a tummy tuck lift your thighs?

High Tension Tummy Tucks This procedure tightens the abdominal wall and lifts the thighs and buttocks by extending the incision to the flanks. In...

Read More »
Last updated May 17, 2018

Every time you put on a few pounds or lose a few, whether it's due to stress, changes in eating, or shifting in exercise habits, it may seem like it happens first in one or two spots. It begs the question: Where do you lose weight first—and do you lose weight from certain areas faster than others?

Think about it: For some people, they gain or lose first in the belly, hips, or thighs; for others, that weight might go straight to or from the boobs. Or, you may notice the weight leave your face immediately, for instance. The truth is, as much as you think you might be targeting certain areas for weight loss with so-called belly fat-busting or butt and thigh workouts, studies have found that you can't necessarily control where fat loss occurs. But do some body parts naturally slim down at a faster rate? Experts explain what areas of the body tend to trim down first—and why.

More From Women's Health

Where do you typically lose weight first?

First of all, weight loss is going to be a different scenario between men and women. "Men and women tend to lose weight differently based on the types of fat they contain and childbearing factors," says Romy Block, MD, an endocrinologist and co-founder of Vous Vitamin. For example, research has shown that women have more subcutaneous fat, a type of fat that deposits right underneath the skin and is partially responsible for women's curves, than men. The first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but hold onto weight in their thighs and hips, Dr. Block explains. When it comes to weight loss, though, it's less about your natural body shape and more about genetics, how your hormones work, and your metabolism, says Dr. Block. Regardless, she adds, you can't choose a specific area of focus for weight loss. Janet Brill, PhD, RD, a Philadelphia-based nutritionist, theorizes that where fat melts off on your body first is totally different for everyone, and you might lose weight from wherever you last gained it. "If you tend to gain weight around your waist, you'll likely lose weight from your midsection first as well," says Brill. Meanwhile, if weight goes straight to your boobs—as it does for many women—you'll probably notice it leave your chest first, too. In some cases, you might lose weight from around your internal organs as well. Dr. Block notes that this is the case specifically in people who have NASH, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Even losing 5 percent of your body weight can boost the function of organs like the liver.

What is the 16 hour fast diet?
What is the 16 hour fast diet?

The practice of 16/8 intermittent fasting involves limiting your intake of foods and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of 8 hours per...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 10, 2020
What can I drink to cut fat?
What can I drink to cut fat?

Given below are a list of the drinks that make you lose weight, along with recipes to prepare them. Apple Cider Vinegar with Berries and Lemon....

Read More »
Last updated May 23, 2021

Why do women hold on to weight in the hip and thigh area?

The other factor at play when it comes to where you shed weight is Mother Nature's plan for your body to be always be ready to get pregnant. For that reason, many women say that the fat around their hips, butts, and thighs stays put for the first several weeks of a weight-loss regimen—while their backs, calves, and even their faces begin to thin out much sooner. "The fat on these body parts [the hips, butt, and thighs] is crucial for childbearing," says Brill, "which is why most women notice that their body naturally hangs onto it as long as possible." The increased fat in these areas is related to the higher levels of estrogen necessarily for fertility, Dr. Block adds. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. As people near menopause, weight gain may shift to the belly. Because you have lower estrogen levels during menopause, more fat might distribute to the abdominal area, says Dr. Block. Soo...is there any way to lose belly fat first? Asking for a friend. In a perfect world, you could switch things up so you lose weight from where you want to first. But the fact is, you don't really have much control over where the pounds peel off first…with one caveat: "When you work out, your metabolism increases, and that helps get rid of some of the visceral fat that goes to your stomach and abs area," Brill says. It's just a modest difference and doesn't count as spot reducing—but it's something to keep in mind if your body hangs onto belly fat forever and you want the waistband of your jeans to feel roomier faster. 30 Healthy Summer Crock Pot Recipes For When It’s Too Hot To Cook Open Gallery

How do you fix a stress belly?
How do you fix a stress belly?

How to prevent stress belly find ways to reduce and cope with stress. manage your weight. maintain a balanced diet. exercise a little every day....

Read More »
Last updated Nov 30, 2020
How many months does it take to get a flat stomach?
How many months does it take to get a flat stomach?

The American Council on Exercise says a 1 percent body fat loss per month is safe and achievable. Given that math, it could take a woman with...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 26, 2020

Other than potentially speeding up your metabolism, focused exercise is not going to shed weight in any one specific area. Your body has a mind of its own in terms of deciding where to lose weight and when, the experts say. However, the healthiest way to lose weight is a combination of diet and exercise. That's really key—one without the other won't have as much of a long-term impact. "Diet will directly impact stored energy, while exercise will increase your metabolism and help you keep the weight off," Dr. Block says.

What's the best way to start losing weight?

Don't think of weight loss as a sprint—really, it's a marathon. "Small changes [to your diet and exercise plans] can make big differences over time and impact your health and energy in a significant way," Dr. Block says. Even cutting out high-calorie drinks, including your favorite flavored latte and mixed drinks, is a good place to start. Of course, leveling up your exercise routine also can positively impact your metabolism (HIIT workouts can help you blast fat and increase your endurance, too). Adding more movement to your life, Dr. Block says, like walking around the block an extra time and adding more stairs as opposed to elevators to your routine, can also contribute.

womenshealthmag.com - Where Do You Lose Weight First? Doctors Explain - Women's Health
What's the latest weight loss drug?
What's the latest weight loss drug?

Two, Wegovy and Saxenda, are new-generation treatments, both made by Novo based on an existing injection diabetes drug. The other two —...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 27, 2018
Why do I smell when losing weight?
Why do I smell when losing weight?

And while you will most likely lose weight, it might also change the way your sweat smells. When you burn fat, your body produces a chemical that...

Read More »
Last updated May 6, 2020
What is the right way to drink water?
What is the right way to drink water?

How to drink water the right way? Always try to have lukewarm water. Warm or hot water actually has the ability to absorb deeper into your tissues....

Read More »
Last updated Feb 4, 2021
How many times should you pee at night?
How many times should you pee at night?

People without nocturia can usually make it through a full night—six to eight hours of sleep—without having to use the bathroom. If you have to get...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 23, 2019