Can anyone provide some insight into how difficult it may be to lose belly fat?

I know that doing ab exercises is important. However, my abs are covered by a significant amount of fat. It is my understanding that belly fat is often the most difficult type of fat to eliminate. This is why so many athletic people have liposuction, since this fat is very stubborn.

Those of you who have lost a lot of weight, can you comment?

I am apple-shaped and this is a big concern of mine. I know that abdominal fat is the most dangerous kind (see Protein Power and SB Diet), but in the past I tend to lose in my hips. As a result my waist-hip ratio does not improve.

Thanks.

From what I have heard, you lose weight first where you put it on last. I have also heard that working out in a specific area does no good either. If it goes on your stomach first then soon you will see. It is not the fat that they have the "lipo" on but the excess skin after the fat is gone.

altavista, I would love to lose the abdominal fat also. I am diabetic and I really think that it would help my bg. I exercise, both walk for 60 minutes and strenght training, but I'm still apple shapped.

judyr,

Where did you get teh "Cheatfree" avitar?

I would be glad to give you the information but evertime I key it in it just comes up with the symbol.Maybe somebody can tell me how to give that information.

For those genetically inclined to store fat in the lower abdomen, the belly fat dilemma is a tough one. Even when I weighed as little as 120 (I'm 131 now) I still had the "female pouch". I work out regularly and include ab exercises, but still have the belly. I think the only way to completely eliminate the belly would be to go down to about 18% body fat. That would probably require about 10 more hours a week than I currently have to spend at the gym.

The abdominal fat I think you're worried about is inside the abdominal cavity around the vital organs. The lower "belly fat" that is so difficult to lose is outside the peritoneal muscles and below the skin. (This is my experience at least.)

If I ever "fall into" about $6-8K I think a liposuction will be my splurge.
Every one is different, however, and some people manage to get those elusive "flat bellies" again. I'm jealous.

Joan

Thanks guys. I was afraid it would be as difficult as you all say.

BTW, liposuction is to eliminate fat wherever it is done. The only way to get rid of excess skin is with a tummy tuck, where they make an incision, remove the excess skin, and sew you back up. Depending on how much skin they take away, they may create a new belly button for you.

If you want more detail on both surgeries, I suggest you watch the plastic surgery show on the DiscoveryHealth channel, if you have cable. Very interesting stuff and very amazing results.

Altavista

I've heard a lot of people say that the belly fat is the first to go on Atkins. I don't know why. I do know that has been the case with me. Although, I've recently be treated for hypothyroidism, and retaining fat around the middle is a symptom of this condition, so with my new treatment it's been easier for my body to let go of the fat in that area. Difficulty losing weight is also a symptom, so I'm happy to say my treatment is working since I'm losing weight!

From what I understand the visceral fat is strongly linked to insulin resistance. Losing weight via a low-fat (high-carb) diet might explain why that fat is retained while you lose elsewhere. I suspect on this diet however that as your IR slowly heals the belly fat will start melting away too, give it a little time and do keep us posted!

PS - the diets I've tried in the past have always screwed-up my hormonal balance and I had problems with certain areas of my body too. LC seems to have helped my hormones though, and I find that for once now my shape is improving even in those problem areas. Very interesting!

Smurfy,
The way you can get the "cheat free" sign is to left click on the picture, go to properties, copy the URL, paste in the address bar. If you want the other #'s just remove the /58.gif.

Mims

I've been on Atkins for a bit over 3 months now and don't weigh myself - and only go by my clothing as a "gauge" to figure my weight loss.

I've noticed my chest area has been getting smaller - more so than my belly! I've noticed a very small loss in my stomach area - since my pants have a small amount of "give" on them now.

I think we all lose weight in different areas - some in the upper areas before the lower areas!