Post-Christmas, many of us may find ourselves with some extra weight, as Ross Geller humorously noted, but there are more important reasons to shed belly fat than just appearance.
People often aim to slim down and feel more confident as the new year begins.
If your primary goal is to achieve a ‘bikini body’, it’s worth considering the broader benefits of losing weight around your stomach.
Dr. Amir Khan, a practicing doctor known for his appearances on shows like Good Morning Britain, emphasizes that the focus should be on improving health, not just getting slimmer.
“Too often, weight advice focuses on the wrong aspects, like preparing for the beach season or flaunting abs. That’s misguided,” Dr. Amir stated in a video shared on his Instagram, where he has 916,000 followers.
“Our goal should be to become healthier, not simply thin or muscular,” he continued. “Carrying extra weight around the midsection is about more than meeting beauty standards; it’s linked to deeper health concerns.”
Dr. Amir explained the difference between two types of fat: subcutaneous and visceral.
Subcutaneous fat is the pinch-able layer just under the skin, whereas visceral fat is deeper and surrounds organs.
Excess visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdomen, can lead to conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Despite being more concerning, Dr. Amir noted that visceral fat is easier to lose.
He explained: “This is because [visceral fat] is metabolized faster, and your body expels it through sweat and urine.
“To aid this process, incorporate varied exercises that increase your heart rate and build muscle.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, effective strategies to reduce visceral fat include staying active, mindful eating, intermittent fasting, getting quality sleep, managing stress, and cutting down on alcohol consumption.