Stubborn Fat Areas

If your weight keeps rising, you simply continue to deposit fat all over your body, including your face and even hands.

WHERE THE FAT COMES OFF

Women are inclined to experience fat loss first in their trunk and arms, then lastly their lower body (hips and thighs). Generally weight loss is most noticeable early on in areas where there is little fat, such as the clavicles. Though depending on body shape, men generally tend to lose fat first from their trunk, followed by their arms and then their legs. This means that although men tend to store abdominal fat, it is also one of the first place they lose it. Hence, men tend not to struggle with stubborn fat as much as women.

Illustrating areas of stubborn fat in women (front and back) and men (front only)

WHY DO WOMEN STRUGGLE TO LOSE FAT FROM THEIR LOWER BODY?

• Fat cells have two types of receptor: Alpha-receptor (inhibits the breakdown of fat) & Beta-receptor (stimulates the breakdown of fat). Women have more of the receptors that inhibit the breakdown of fat (alpha-receptors) in their hip and thigh region than in their abdominal region.

• Women have 3 to 5 times more of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that stimulates fat storage in their lower body than their upper body.

• An enzyme (hormone-sensitive lipase) that stimulates fat breakdown is very slow in releasing fat from the lower abdomen in women.

It is thought that the predisposition of women to storing fat in the lower body is for protection of their reproductive organs.

Why all the information?  You are not the only one! It is not impossible to lose the fat! You cannot spot reduce. You cannot, no matter how many gurus claim, pick an exercise and lose fat only from one place. In order for you to lose weight in your problem area you have to lose fat everywhere. Your consolation? By the time you lose stubborn fat, the rest of your body will be looking great.

1. Prev:Weight Loss Motivation
2. Next:How to Lose Stubborn Fat