How To Lose Lower Belly Fat – 3 Simple Ways To Follow

Lower belly fat is not only a cosmetic issue but also can negatively affect your overall health. But worry not – as we have brought to you some tips to reduce lower belly fat.

As per an estimate, 60% of the population suffers from belly fat in the US (1). It has become a global health issue. It is also linked to diabetes as visceral fat may cause insulin resistance (2). It is also related to impairing insulin sensitivity in the muscle tissue and the liver (3). All these factors may increase the risk of metabolic disease. Hence, lower belly fat should be addressed immediately without any delay.

While lower belly fat is harmful, you can reduce it by following certain tips. Continue reading to know more.

How To Reduce Lower Belly Fat

There are no fast tricks to get rid of lower belly fat. You need to have a holistic approach (exercise, diet, and lifestyle management) to obtain positive and sustainable results.

1. Exercise

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Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lower belly fat. However, focusing only on ab and core exercises is not going to help out. Spot reduction of the fat around your belly is not possible.

A study on 24 healthy individuals doing abdominal exercise for six weeks showed no significant benefit in reducing abdominal fat (5). Instead, you need to target different muscle groups with aerobic exercises. Several studies have found that aerobic exercises can help reduce belly fat (6).

Try out different forms of exercises – like strength training, cardio, and aerobic exercises – for better results. On your abs days, do the following exercises with some cardio to target your core muscles :

• Leg Raises – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Scissor Kicks – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Leg In And Out – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Standing Alternate Leg Kicks – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Lying Leg Curls – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Mountain Climbers – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Bicycle Crunches – 3 sets of 15 reps
• Russian Twists – 3 sets of 20 reps
• Burpees – 3 sets of 10 reps
• Flutter Kicks – 3 sets of 20 reps
• Superman – 2 sets of 3 reps

Quick Tip

You can also do yoga asanas, like Surya Namaskar, Tadasana (Mountain pose), or Ustrasana (Camel pose), to reduce belly fat.

2. Healthy Diet

• Cut Down On Carbs

Cutting down on carbs is extremely beneficial in reducing excess belly fat. A low-carb diet decreases a few pounds quickly as it releases water from the body. In a study conducted at the Haimoto Clinic (Japan), 63 people (men and women) on a low-carb diet showed a reduction in belly fat, subcutaneous fatⁱ  XThe fat beneath the skin and around the organs that lies deep in the abdominal cavity. Also known as visceral fat. , and waist circumference (7).

Limiting carb intake to 100 g/day, consuming more fruits and vegetables, replacing grains with whole grains, and portion control are important to kick start your weight loss. The dietary fiber in whole grains improves satiety to aid weight loss (8). The bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables help in various cellular reactions and processes (9).

• Include Protein In Every Meal

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A study carried on 27 overweight/obese men by the University of Missouri found that a high-protein diet improves appetite control and satiety to promote weight loss (10).

Proteins take longer to digest and release PYY, a gut hormone that decreases appetite and promotes satiety (11). They also help build lean muscle mass, a site where a number of mitochondria (cell organelles in which sugar gets converted to usable energy) are present, boosting up metabolism (12).

You should aim for a 25-30% protein intake of total calories. Use coconut oil for grilling or sautéing your protein as a study has shown that medium- and long-chain triacylglycerolⁱ  XA type of fat that is not immediately required by the body to produce calories for essential tasks and is stored in the cells for later use. (MLCT) suppresses body fat accumulation in humans (13).

Quick Tip

You can add cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, and broccoli to your diet. They are rich in protein and fibers, which helps you remain full for a longer time.

• Consume Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are a great way to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is directly linked to obesity. Include polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds, clarified butter, fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to lower inflammation (14).

• Bulk Up On Fiber

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When the soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is fermented in the large intestine, it produces two gut hormones – glucagon-like peptideⁱ  XA hormone secreted by intestinal cells that triggers the release of insulin in the body and decreases hunger and energy intake. (GLP-1) and peptide YYⁱ  XA hormone produced by the small intestine that helps suppress appetite and regulate food consumption. (PYY). These hormones increase satiety (15). The best ways to incorporate fiber in the diet is being regular with your fruit and vegetable intake, replacing regular grains with whole grains, and adding legumes to your diet.

• Avoid Refined Sugar

If you want to lose belly fat, you need to avoid refined sugar in any form – colas, candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, etc. Many studies have shown that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases the chances of obesity. A positive correlation was established between the intake of sugary beverages and weight gain/obesity among children and adults (16).

Use jaggery, dark brown sugar, organic honey, and organic maple syrup instead of refined sugar when you crave something sweet.

• Drink Green Tea

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Green tea is the perfect detox drink when you are trying to lose belly fat. It contains caffeine and EGCG (epigallocatechinⁱ  XA type of catechin present in green tea that helps lose weight, reduce inflammation and prevent heart and brain illness. gallate), which can have powerful effects on metabolism. It helps nullify the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals, thereby preventing toxin accumulation (17). The effect may be strengthened when green tea consumption is combined with exercise.

Have two to three cups (8 fluid ounces) of green tea per day.

• Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is the key to flushing out toxins. Consume less energy-dense (low-calorie) foods to lose weight. Drinking 500 ml water 30 minutes before a meal can lead to moderate weight loss (18).

A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism states that drinking 500 ml of water increases metabolic rate by 30% because of water-induced thermogenesis. This can be beneficial for weight loss  (19).

3. Lifestyle Management

If you are following a great diet but still not losing your belly fat, then your lifestyle could be to blame. Stress, inadequate sleep, and bad lifestyle habits are the major culprits of belly fat.

• Stress Management

Stress and weight gain are interconnected. A study published in Obesity Research states that uncontrollable stress increases the cortisol levels in your body, which causes fat deposition in the abdomen area (20). This increase in cortisol levels can also increase the urge for “comfort foods” like refined carbs, fried foods, and sweets. These foods cause fat deposition, specifically in the abdominal area (21). A few things you can do to reduce stress are:

• Do deep breathing exercises in the early morning and before going to bed.
• Walk outdoors for 15-20 minutes (slow pace work) to get some fresh air.
• Spend some time on a hobby you enjoy.
• Take some time out from your busy schedule to enjoy with your family and friends.

• Proper Sleep

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Sleep helps recharge your body and mind. Sleep deprivation increases inflammation and toxin build-up in the body. A study published in Obesity Journal on obese women showed that sleeping more than 7 hours per night increased the likelihood of weight-loss success (22). Therefore, the quality and quantity of sleep are vital factors in losing belly fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lower belly fat hard to lose?

Yes, lower belly fat is stubborn and difficult to lose than fat from other areas of the body due to the presence of beta fat cells in the lower belly region.

How can I lose my lower belly fat in 3 days?

You cannot spot reduce fat from the lower belly region. However, you may see a difference in lower belly fat with proper sleep, adequate hydration, protein intake, and high intensity interval training combined with core strengthening exercises and by avoiding sugary or inflammatory foods.

Do planks burn lower belly fat?

Planks help strengthen the core muscles which in turn help burn more calories, leading to lower belly fat loss.

Do squats burn lower belly fat?

Squats do not help spot reduce belly fat, but it helps build muscles and lose calories, which can lead to a reduction in lower belly fat.

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Merlin Annie RajRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist

   

Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the ‘President’s Award’ at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet...more

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master's in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,...more